Online gaming company Microgaming has continued to broaden its charitable work throughout 2021 and reiterated its commitment to responsible gaming practices.
The operator, based in the Isle of Man, has a history of working with gambling charities through its PlayItForward program, which has been ongoing since 2014.
Microgaming made its recent pledge to coincide with Safer Gambling Week 2021, a project which seeks to raise awareness of—and reduce—harms from problem gambling.
Microgaming CEO, John Coleman backed up the company’s commitment saying, “We’re proudly standing in solidarity with all areas of our industry to support the Safer Gambling Week initiative, with a calendar of events to promote the Responsible Gambling message across our business.”
Coleman emphasized that safer gambling initiatives should not be confined to one awareness week: “Of course, it’s a conversation our industry should be having all year around, and one which we are committed to being a part of. I’m proud we have been able to support the invaluable work of a range of gambling-related research, education and treatment charities throughout 2021.”
A Long Track Record
PlayItForward is now into its seventh year. It is an award-winning Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, led by its staff. It invests in a variety of projects, both local and international, with a focus on “people, place and planet”. So far, PlayItForward has invested over £1.8 million in CSR projects.
One of the beneficiaries of PlayItForward has been BetKnowMore UK, a national support service for problem gamblers. A donation to BetKnowMore has allowed the charity to undertake a year-long trial of weekly group therapy sessions, exclusively for women.
Frankie Graham, Founder and CEO of Betknowmore, acknowledged Microgaming’s continued support, saying, “The collaboration between Microgaming PlayItForward and Betknowmore UK has enabled the development and delivery of new research and support activities that address the theme of women and gambling harms. It is an under-resourced area and, quite rightly, now the recipient of increased investment.”
Microgaming has also made donations the Gordon Moody Association, a charity which provides treatment and therapy for those struggling to control their gambling – as well as supporting those around them who have been affected by their gambling.
The most recent donation will help fund a couple of projects. Firstly, a “comfort fund” for families of people in the Association’s care and also, to help buy furniture for its women’s outreach initiative.
Help for Young People
In addition to this, Microgaming has sponsored the gaming and gambling project run by Motiv8 IOM, an addiction treatment service based in Microgaming’s own local community, the Isle of Man. This year’s contribution will be dedicated to the organization’s youth project: YP@Motiv8.
Microgaming has also financed several online campaigns. It has helped GamCare with a month-long social media drive, publicizing its National Helpline.
It has given assistance to the Beacon Counseling Trust a mental health foundation which offers counseling free of charge, to those affected by problem gambling.
And the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust has also received funding from Microgaming, enabling them to produce educational videos.
