GVC launches new foundation to boost CSR initiatives

GVC Holdings today launched The GVC Foundation to knit together the operator’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) and responsible gambling (RG) measures.

The new foundation will initially focus on responsible gambling, sporting integrity and gambling regulation research, education and treatment, as well as grass-roots, women’s and disability sports and men’s mental health.

The launch of the foundation has also seen GVC get involved in several new projects including promoting participation in women’s football alongside Italian giants Inter Milan.

The foundation has donated to a US fund to support research on sports wagering, while it has also set up a German Sports Integrity Forum and a Professional Players Federation to combat match-fixing across sports including football, cricket, rugby, golf, darts and snooker.

Virginia McDowell, chair of GVC’s CSR committee, said: “GVC is determined to spearhead the gambling industry’s approach to CSR initiatives, particularly with regard to responsible gambling and sports integrity-related projects.

“The launch of The GVC Foundation is a clear sign of this commitment, consolidating GVC’s hard work in this area over the last few years,” she added.

The GVC Foundation will also integrate the operator’s existing safer gambling campaigns including Changing for the Bettor.

GVC director of regulatory affairs Martin Lycka said: “We are delighted to have partnered with sports clubs, gambling researchers and athletes in a number of our key jurisdictions, including Germany, the UK, Italy and the US.”