A majority of US gaming companies are committed to CSR, says AGA's report

The American Gaming Association (AGA) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) Corporate Citizenship Center announced Wednesday the release of first-of-its-kind research analyzing the scope of the US casino gaming industry’s community impact and commitment to communities, employees and customers.

Key findings from the report include: gaming industry respondents reported $367 million in charitable giving last year; 93% have comprehensive recycling and energy efficiency programs, 50% higher than the overall private sector; 69% have an institutionalized diversity and inclusion hiring effort; gaming industry employees contribute more than 422,000 volunteer hours per year, nearly five-times more hours per employee than technology industry employees; and 100% of AGA member companies surveyed have a responsible gaming policy.

The research revealed that a majority of companies are committed to responsibility as an integral part of their strategic goals and that the overall success of the gaming industry depends on how well companies can support the communities they serve. The gaming industry outpaces most private sector industries in its commitment to diverting waste from landfill and instituting green building and water conservation programs. The full research is available here.

“Above all else, the gaming industry’s highest priority is to promote responsibility in all that we do, from being constructive partners in the communities where we operate, providing exceptional career opportunities to industry employees and ensuring all patrons have the tools they need to engage in our offerings in a responsible manner,” said Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. “Today’s report shows that the gaming industry is making good on our promise to be responsible community partners, contributing economically and socially to communities across the country.”

“While corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports continue to become standard practice among American businesses, it is rare to see the collective impact of an entire sector,” said Carolyn Cawley, president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation. “We’re proud to work with AGA to release this groundbreaking research that illustrates the gaming industry’s positive efforts in the communities they serve.”

The Chamber Foundation analyzed the CSR programs of AGA members, including a variety of company types and sizes, through quantitative and qualitative research. In the third quarter of 2018, USCCF and AGA surveyed and interviewed 15 AGA member respondents on the scale and scope of their corporate social responsibilities. Those companies represent 168 casino properties, 235,000 U.S. employees and $33 billion in total revenue.