ESG watch (February 2022)

Welcome to the first edition of EGR Compliance’s ESG watch where we round up all the latest environmental, social and governance news over the last month.

GamCare supported by Northampton Saints to offer free local support for the East Midlands

GamCare has teamed up with Premiership Rugby side Northampton Saints to promote the local support available across the East Midlands to those struggling with their own gambling or a loved one.

According to GamCare, more men come forward to speak to advisers (73%) compared to women (27%). Over a quarter of the people seeking help in the region are aged 26-35, which shows the issues facing young adults in the region. The most popular form of gambling across Leicester, Nottingham, Northampton and Lincoln was online slots, while sports betting was the most popular in Peterborough.

Nicola O’Neill, an East Midlands-based gambling-support provider from GamCare, commented: “I have spoken with a wide variety of women and men in the local area, on the phone and face to face, who have been impacted by someone else’s gambling as well as those who have gambled directly.

“It’s important to help build people’s self-esteem and confidence after being affected by a gambling problem. We want to develop trust and understanding amongst the local people who call on us, and help more people come forward to get the support they need.”

Tim Percival, director at Northampton Saints, said: “Northampton Saints is pleased to be backing this campaign to raise awareness of GamCare and the work they do to help anyone struggling with a gambling addiction in the East Midlands. It is important people know where they can turn for help, should they need it.”

Sky Betting & Gaming partners with Support Dogs

Sky Betting & Gaming (SBG) has announced Support Dogs as its official 2022 charity partner, following the results of a customer survey.

Support Dogs is a Bradford-based charity that is dedicated to increasing the independence and quality of life for those people with various medical conditions by training specialist assistance dogs.

As part of the partnership with Support Dogs, SBG will hold events throughout the year to raise money for the charity, including its annual charity ball, football tournament and Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.

Betsson Group donates to the Swedish Cancer Society for World Cancer Day

Betsson Group marked World Cancer Day on 4 February by donating SEK42,000 (£3,302) to the Swedish Cancer Society.

The group said that colleagues in Sweden donated after collecting funds from those at the company in Stockholm, which Betsson AB then doubled.

Betsson said on its LinkedIn: “In Sweden, one in three receives a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. In order for fewer people to be affected and more people to survive, the Swedish Cancer Society funds research, disseminate knowledge about cancer and influence decision-makers on important issues”.

DraftKings teams up with MGM and United Artists Releasing to host Tatum vs Dog 50-yard fetch

DraftKings partnered with MGM and United Artists Releasing for a charitable prediction pool ahead of the movie release Dog. The game launched on 7 February. The companies pledged to match the $10,000 (£7,473) prize fund with a donation to Tech for Heroes, DraftKings’ flagship CSR initiative that aims to teach technology job skills for veteran communities.

Fans were able to guess the result of a field chase between film stars Channing Tatum and Lulu. They were able to make predictions such as who will step foot on the endzone first and what yard line will the dog catch Tatum. Then, fans scored points based on how many questions they got right for a potential share of the prize pot.

Casumo employees trek for Walk with Jerome

On 4 February, 35 Casumo employees trekked around the Selmun, Mellieha and St. Paul’s Bay areas of Malta in aid of Walk with Jerome. The Walk with Jerome initiative was initiated by the Smiling with Jerome Foundation throughout the month of February in celebration of World Cancer Day. On the day itself, they remembered all those who had fought cancer, who were still undergoing treatment and those who had sadly passed away.

In total, Casumo managed to raise €800 (£668), which went to support the ‘Chemo Bags of Hope’ initiative.