Responsible Gaming - Page 14 of 23 - American Gaming Association

Delaware North

“In every community where we operate, Delaware North is committed to being good corporate citizens and impactful neighbors. We prioritize the health and wellbeing of our associates, guests, partners and the environment, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethics.” – Lou Jacobs, CEO

Advancing Sustainability 

Reducing Resource Consumption and Waste

GreenPath®, Delaware North’s stewardship program, ensures the Company carefully manages its environmental impact. GreenPath uses a formal process to plan, implement and measure meaningful progress. Going beyond compliance with applicable requirements, GreenPath priorities include natural resource protection, sustainable sourcing, zero waste, water conservation, energy efficiency, meeting LEED standards for facilities, renewable energy and reducing impacts from greenhouse gas emissions. The Company has a waste diversion program to promote a circular economy and reduce landfill impacts.

In responsible sourcing, Delaware North prefers products with credible certifications and eco-labels, both for food and operational supplies such as single-use products, cleaning chemicals, paper, equipment and others. Seafood is sourced from sustainable sources defined by programs such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Sustainable Fish Cities and U.S. operations source eggs from cage-free hens. The Company also encourages suppliers to source products that advance the sustainability and traceability of its supply chain and aligns with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) rating system to promote zero waste.

The Company is working to eliminate use of Styrofoam, is eliminating PFAS in its products, and has committed to source 100 percent of single-use packaging products in the U.S. from materials that are recyclable, renewable, compostable or contain post-consumer content by 2025. In 2018, the Company launched “The Last Straw” campaign to cut down on the estimated 38.1 million plastic drinking straws the Company uses each year.

 

Animal Welfare

Delaware North has a strong commitment to animal welfare as part of a more sustainable food supply. The Company supports humane practices throughout an animal’s lifecycle to promote health and welfare aligned with the Farm Animal Welfare Committee’s Five Freedoms. Animal welfare issues include confinement, physical alterations, the use of antibiotics and hormones, living conditions, transportation and processing.

Since July 2021, the Company’s U.S. operations source 90 percent of shell eggs and liquid eggs from cage-free hens. For broiler chickens, the Company has committed to meet the Global Animal Partnership’s standards in the U.S. and Canada by 2024. Compliance will be monitored by a third-party auditor. For pork, the Company is eliminating gestation crates from the supply chain and sourcing pork products from animals raised in group-housed systems; for veal, confinement crates are being eliminated from the supply chain.

Beyond this, the Company promotes the use of plant-based proteins and vegan and vegetarian items on its menus, including through its “Dirty Beets” brand.

 

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Strengthening Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Strengthening Employee DEI

Delaware North continues to evolve on its journey to nurture and advance efforts of inclusion, equity and belonging across a diverse workforce. The Company’s focus areas include:

  • Sharing knowledge and raising cultural awareness and competence.
  • Providing an open forum for the exchange of diverse ideas.
  • Serving as a source of reciprocal mentoring and professional development opportunities.
  • Disseminating best practices to attract, develop, engage, advance and retain a diverse, high-performing workforce.
  • Fostering an inclusive culture where all employees are fully engaged and can contribute to their full potential.
  • Growing reach beyond the Company’s scope and into each employee’s day-to-day commitments.

Delaware North developed its core values – Lean Forward, Come Together, Stand Up, Do Right and Think Guest as the foundation of how the Company behaves. To better bring these values to life, in early 2018, a first phase of Business Resource Groups (BRGs) were founded on the principle of being employee-driven, grassroots networks to support the Company’s objectives through networking and collaborating. The first four Business Resource Groups (BRGs) established were:

  • Emerging Leaders
  • Administrative Support Services Enrichment Team
  • Women of Delaware North
  • Innovators and Creative Problem Solvers

These groups are designed to foster networking both within the organization and the broader community. BRGs encourage career development and empower employees, encouraging personal and professional growth and a more diverse organization.

 

 

Investing in Communities

Addressing Critical Community Needs

Delaware North makes direct investments in health and safety, education and workforce readiness to improve its communities, including its community of associates, the communities across the globe where it operates, and its hometown community in Buffalo, N.Y.

Delaware North also invites its guests and associates to participate in charitable giving and recently launched the Game Changer program. Casino patrons can donate uncashed ticket vouchers, and associates can make donations to a fundraising campaign for organizations who positively impact the health of our local communities. Two recent examples of donations include Delaware North’s Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis, Ark., which donated $47,000 to The Children’s Advocacy Center of Eastern Arkansas (CACEA) in October 2021, and Wheeling Island Hotel- donated $5,402 to Madison Elementary School in September 2021.

Delaware North’s Gaming culinary teams use technology to monitor and eliminate food waste. In 2019, the Gaming division donated more than 22,000 pounds of food to community members in need.

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Supporting Crittenden County, Arkansas

Delaware North, through its Southland Casino Racing operation in West Memphis, Ark., seeks to make high-impact contributions throughout Crittenden County, Ark. The county has a poverty level that is higher than the national average, and Delaware North recognizes that as one of the region’s largest businesses it has a responsibility to invest in the local community to help improve outcomes in identified priority areas.

Notable investments include a $1 million donation to ASU Mid-South, a public, two-year institution, to prepare students for careers in the hospitality industry through the Jeremy M. Jacobs Hospitality Program. Mid-South offers a low cost of tuition and schedule and curriculum that are accessible for students for whom a traditional four-year college is not a viable option.

Since the program began in 2013, 323 students have enrolled in courses. As of spring 2021, Mid-South has awarded 170 degrees/certificates through the program.

The Jacobs Program also established the Delta Cuisine Food Incubator and Shared Commercial Kitchen to assist local culinary entrepreneurs to test and launch small businesses. The program provides access to kitchen infrastructure and expert technical assistance at a significant cost savings to the entrepreneurs. By conducting regular check-ins with the leadership of ASU Mid-South, the Company learns about evolving needs and unexpected outcomes and adjusts its charitable strategy for the future.

 

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Responsible Leadership

Investing in Research and Partnering with Advocacy Groups

Awareness and inclusion of responsible gaming practices is part of all Company marketing and communications planning across its digital and physical businesses. Delaware North is a sustaining supporter of the National Council on Problem Gambling and partner of the AGA’s Have a Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ public service campaign.

Through a new joint venture digital gaming platform, Gamewise, Delaware North is working to develop quantifiable, responsible gaming risk profiles that frontline customer service employees can use to identify potential problem gaming behavior. This initiative is still in pre-launch status and will be leveraged to uphold Delaware North’s commitment to responsible gaming.

GeoComply

“As we strive for a safer, more equitable and sustainable world, ESG is at the core of who we are at GeoComply, We are dedicated to supporting historically disadvantaged groups, giving back to our local communities and strengthening diversity and inclusion, both inside and outside of our workplace.” – Anna Sainsbury, Co-Founder and CEO

Advancing Sustainability

Lowering Carbon Emissions

GeoComply is continuously developing its approach to advancing sustainability and lowering carbon footprint. The Company is assessing its carbon footprint and implementing sustainable practices in its offices. GeoComply’s CSR Division – IMPACT – is focused on launching sustainability-focused philanthropic initiatives that enhance employee engagement and those supportive ecosystems within local communities.

 

 

Strengthening Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Supporting an Inclusive Workplace

Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of GeoComply’s identity. GeoComply’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action) Council facilitates strategic discussion, planning and execution of its IDEA agenda. The IDEA Council has focused on the Company’s recruitment, development, promotion and compensation practices to ensure it promotes equal opportunity in the workplace.

Supporting Social Justice

GeoComply partners with several institutions to create educational opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups. This includes providing scholarships and working with nonprofits such as American Indian Science and Engineering Society and the YWCA. GeoComply also supports STEM education for underrepresented groups, to increase diversity in the technology industry.

GeoComply’s IMPACT Division focuses on advancing equality in its local communities by supporting single mothers, women’s shelters, children, refugees, local orphanages and food banks—helping communities overcome barriers to opportunity.

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Code Like A Girl

In GeoComply’s Vietnam office, the Code Like A Girl initiative supports and empowers Vietnamese developers. The program is focused on career development of high-potential female talent in the IT industry through scholarships, job fairs, networking events and more.

Code Like A Girl Vietnam also hosts the Female Developer Innovation Tournament, which is open to female developers, programmers, engineers and women who are passionate about coding. Not only does it inspire women to participate in the technology field, but participants can network with GeoComply’s employees and other women in the industry, win monetary prizes and often receive full-time job offers at the event.

 

 

 

Investing in Communities

Addressing critical community needs

Supporting local communities is central to GeoComply’s CSR program with a special focus on supporting women, children and historically underrepresented groups. The Company also works with local orphanages and large global organizations such as Make-A-Wish and Horton’s Kids to support child welfare.

GeoComply also donates to and works with local food banks to alleviate food insecurity in its communities.

Moreover, GeoComply provide internships and job opportunities for various groups, including refugees and women. These individuals are then nurtured with care, attention and a growth mindset throughout their career journey, with extensive training and professional development opportunities along the way.

Delivering in times of crisis

During the COVID-19 pandemic, GeoComply delivered food and medical supplies to vulnerable groups in its local communities.

 

 

Responsible Leadership

Protecting and Empowering Customers

GeoComply’s independent nonprofit arm, Conscious Gaming, leverages innovation, advanced technology and insights to enhance responsible gaming initiatives. By bringing together regulators, operators, suppliers, academics and advocates, Conscious Gaming sets out to modernize voluntary self-exclusion programs with a nationwide self-exclusion tool. The overarching goal is to empower players to learn about responsible gaming and assist them if they choose to self-exclude. Conscious Gaming’s vision for a nationwide self-exclusion tool transcends state boundaries and regulations. GeoComply supports Conscious Gaming through donations, fundraising, resources and technology.

Training Employees

GeoComply has partnered RG247 to deliver employee training on recognizing and countering human trafficking in the gaming industry. The Company is dedicated to harnessing its technology and resources to create safer online environments, both inside and outside of the gaming industry. In addition, GeoComply fights online child sexual exploitation and trafficking through partnerships with the Child Rescue Coalition, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and international law enforcement agencies.

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Technology For Good

GeoComply’s responsible thought-leadership is exemplified by its support from law enforcement, as they work together to combat child trafficking and exploitation. The Company also fights fraudulent activity in the gaming industry by leveraging its data intelligence and collaborating with law enforcement, operators and regulators.

 

 

 

 

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is an annual celebration for GeoComply by giving back to women facing difficult circumstances. In 2022, GeoComply hosted an event at its Vancouver headquarters for local women seeking to re-enter the workforce. This event helped provide tools that women could use to secure employment, including resume building, interview coaching, a professional outfit and LinkedIn headshots. GeoComply provided a child development and a babysitting facility as well as covered transportation costs and food to ensure the attendees would have no costs to participate. Employee volunteers shared their own expertise, insights and best practices at the event, overall, increasing the connections and engagements they felt in support of the cause.

 

 

 

Washington, D.C. – A record 50.4 million American adults (20%) are expected to bet on Super Bowl LVII, a 61 percent increase from the record set in 2022, according to a new American Gaming Association (AGA) survey. Bettors plan to wager an estimated $16 billion on this year’s championship game, more than double last year’s estimates.

With the expansion of legal sports betting, traditional Super Bowl wagers are expected to pass casual wagers for the first time ever:

  • 30 million American adults plan to place a traditional sports wager online, at a retail sportsbook or with a bookie, up 66 percent from 2022.
  • 28 million plan to bet casually with friends or as part of a pool or squares contest, up 50 percent from 2022.

Sports betting legalization is also driving fan interest in the NFL, as more than a third (34%) of NFL fans say that the expansion of legal sports betting has made watching an NFL game more exciting.

“Every year, the Super Bowl serves to highlight the benefits of legal sports betting: bettors are transitioning to the protections of the regulated market, leagues and sports media are seeing increased engagement, and legal operators are driving needed tax revenue to states across the country,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.

Industry investments in responsible gaming continue to resonate. The majority of traditional Super Bowl bettors (71%) report seeing a responsible gaming message in the last year. Importantly, younger Americans (under 35 years old) are more likely to recall seeing a responsible gaming message and younger bettors are more likely to say it is important to only wager legally.

“As interest in legal sports betting continues to expand, the gaming industry remains committed to responsibly delivering world class entertainment, educating consumers about how to bet responsibly, and combating illegal gambling as we work to build a safe, competitive and sustainable legal market for all,” Miller continued.

Bettors are evenly split on the outcome of the game with 44 percent each planning to bet on the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.

Background

Methodology
Morning Consult conducted the online survey on behalf of the AGA between Jan. 31 – Feb. 1, 2023, among a national sample of 2,199 adults. The data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment and region. The margin of error is +/-2 percent and greater among subgroups. Bettors include those who expect to place a bet online, with a bookie, with a casino sportsbook, in a pool or squares contest, or casually with family or friends.

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About the AGA
As the national trade group representing the U.S. casino industry, the American Gaming Association (AGA) fosters a policy and business environment where legal, regulated gaming thrives. The AGA’s diverse membership of commercial and tribal casino operators, sports betting and iGaming companies, gaming suppliers, and more lead the $261 billion industry and support 1.8 million jobs across the country.

Advancing Modern Payment Options

The gaming industry’s technology and world-class entertainment make it the embodiment of the 21st-century hospitality industry. Yet, casinos remain one of the most cash-intensive businesses in the world.

Modernizing Payments for a Better Gaming Experience

We are committed to working with regulators, policymakers and key stakeholders to advance payment modernization. Allowing customers to use digital payments in casinos provides the choice and convenience they have come to expect in their daily lives. It also bolsters regulatory efforts and provides innovative responsible gaming measures.

AGA Principles for Payments Modernization

Payments RG Section

Introducing digital payments to the casino floor not only provides consumers with the choice they expect in their daily lives, but, importantly, bolsters responsible gaming efforts. See how responsible gaming measures are woven into the digital payments process––an important benefit of payments modernization.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Washington, D.C. – A record 67.8 million American adults (26%) are expected to bet on Super Bowl LVIII, a 35 percent increase from 2023, according to a new American Gaming Association (AGA) survey. Bettors plan to wager an estimated $23.1 billion on this year’s Big Game, up from $16 billion last year.

With the expansion of legal sports betting, traditional Super Bowl wagers are expected to pass casual wagers for a second consecutive year:

  • 42.7 million American adults plan to place a traditional sports wager online, at a retail sportsbook or with a bookie, up 41 percent from 2023.
  • 36.5 million plan to bet casually with friends or as part of a pool or squares contest, up 32 percent from 2023.

Importantly, Americans continue to migrate to the legal market: 28.7 million adults, or 11 percent, intend to place online wagers using a legal U.S. sportsbook.

“As the Super Bowl comes to Las Vegas for the first time, this year’s record interest in wagering marks a full circle moment for the U.S. gaming industry,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Our priority remains getting this opportunity right by providing the consumer protections only a regulated market can guarantee and investing in responsible gambling tools, safeguards and education.”

Industry investments in responsible gambling continue to resonate. The majority of traditional Super Bowl bettors (75%) report seeing a responsible gambling message in the last year, up from 71 percent in 2023. Meanwhile, 47 percent of all American adults recall hearing or seeing a responsible gambling message in the past year, up from 40 percent last year.

During Super Bowl week, Miller will be joined on radio row in Las Vegas by Heisman Trophy winner, former NFL running back, and current Fox Sports Big Noon Kickoff host Mark Ingram II to speak with media about the expansion of legal sports betting and the importance of responsible play.

“The thrill of the game and the passion of the fans are what make sports so rewarding and fun. Legalized sports betting builds on this excitement. That’s why I’m thrilled to partner with the American Gaming Association to encourage fans, whether it’s during the Big Game or throughout the year, to keep it social and wager responsibly,” said Ingram.

Bettors are nearly split on the outcome of the game with 47 percent planning to bet on the Kansas City Chiefs and 44 percent planning to bet on the San Francisco 49ers.

Background

Methodology
Morning Consult conducted the online survey on behalf of the AGA between January 30 – February 1, among a national sample of 2,204 adults. The data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment and region. The margin of error is +/-2 percent and greater among subgroups. Bettors include those who expect to place a bet online, with a bookie, with a casino sportsbook, in a pool or squares contest, or casually with family or friends.

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Washington, D.C. – Greenwood Racing Inc., the parent company of Parx Casino® and betPARX®, has joined the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Have a Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ campaign.

Through the partnership, Parx will promote responsible gaming consumer education at its sportsbooks, through its betPARX app, and on its digital channels.

“Responsible gaming is an integral part of Greenwood Racing’s sports betting strategy,” said Parx Chief Marketing Officer Marc Oppenheimer. “We’re excited to extend our longstanding commitment to responsible gaming consumer education through this partnership with the AGA.”

Launched in 2019, the Have A Game Plan campaign unites the broader sports betting ecosystem around a common consumer education platform, focusing on four principles of responsible wagering:

  • Set a budget and stick to it.
  • Keep it social—sports betting is a form of entertainment.
  • Know the odds.
  • Play with trusted, regulated operators.

“The AGA is thrilled to welcome Parx Casino® and betPARX® as Have A Game Plan campaign partners,” said AGA Senior Vice President Casey Clark. “The expansion of legal sports betting options—to 130 million Americans today—reinforces the importance of bringing together as many voices as possible to educate consumers on responsible wagering.”

Parx joins campaign partners across the sports, media, and gaming landscape, including Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, DraftKings, Delaware North, Entain, FanDuel, Global Payments, MGM Resorts International, MSG Network, Monumental Sports and Entertainment, NASCAR, New York Knicks, New York Jets, New York Rangers, NHL, Nuvei, Penn National Gaming, PGA TOUR, Rush Street Interactive, SeventySix Capital, Sightline Payments, Sinclair Broadcast Group, UFC, USFL, Vegas Golden Knights and Washington Commanders.

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BMM Testlabs

“The issues of leadership, sustainability, diversity, inclusion and investing in the local communities where each of our offices reside, remains incredibly important to BMM. Our ‘We Care’ culture has always enabled us to prioritize our people as well as our customers. As we continue to expand our business across the globe, we create policies and procedures to support our people and the environment around us.” – Martin Storm, CEO

Advancing Sustainability

Reducing resource consumption and waste

BMM Testlabs (BMM) seeks to create positive differences in its communities by beginning with simple yet effective steps to advance sustainability. BMM is reducing its reliance on natural resources by using less paper and plastic. BMM has gifted employees with branded reusable coffee tumblers and 40oz water flasks to reduce the use of plastic and Styrofoam, resulting in a large reduction in waste. The Company has also replaced light bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, placed sensor lighting in restrooms and is proud to be 100 percent paper-free in many of its most important functions.

 

 

Strengthening Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Strengthening employee DEI

BMM recognizes that D&I contributes to its business success and is dedicated to encouraging supportive and inclusive environments for its people, partners and customers. BMM’s D&I initiatives include practices and policies on recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits programs, professional development, training and promotions.

BMM is currently in the final stages of implementing a new D&I Program. Its goals are to support and develop all individuals in the businesses, enable cultural development and participation, develop career paths and leadership opportunities, promote those who qualify and develop and improve a new ‘Staff Inclusion Satisfaction’ rating. This rating will be measurable by a survey conducted at the beginning of the program, and then conducted annually.

 

 

Investing in Communities

Expanding education and career opportunities

BMM’s Next Generation Initiative supports tribal youth and young adults through donations to charities advancing educational opportunity and improving public health.
In partnership with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), BMM has also established the BMM-AISES internship, a 10-week paid scholarship program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas which introduces students to careers in the gaming industry.

Addressing critical community needs

BMM partners with Anytown Las Vegas and various other charities and nonprofit organizations across BMM’s many global offices. BMM feels these kinds of partnerships work best when both organizations have the same vision to advance communities. BMM connected with Anytown Las Vegas because it held similar values and teams from both companies have built a strong rapport.

BMM is pleased to support Opportunity Village, a not-for-profit organization that serves people in the Southern Nevada community with intellectual disabilities to enhance their lives and the lives of the families who love them.

 

 

Responsible Leadership

Training Employees

BMM saw the need to provide responsible gaming education across the industry and created RG24seven, a video-based responsible gaming training platform. BMM invested heavily in research, partnerships and technology to create this state-of-the-art training platform and content based around responsible gaming education.

RG24seven is now providing high-quality, low-cost compliance and responsible gaming education to the global gaming industry.

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

Key findings include:

  • Gaming industry respondents reported $367 million in charitable giving last year;
  • Ninety-three percent have comprehensive recycling and energy efficiency programs, 50% higher than the overall private sector;
  • Sixty-nine percent 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 the technology industry; and
  • One-hundred percent of AGA member companies surveyed have a responsible gaming policy.

The research shows that the industry and AGA member companies are committed to responsibility as 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 and is a leader in innovative sustainability solutions.

Diversity and inclusion (D&I) is also a major industry focus and is essential for business success and employee satisfaction. As one industry participant noted, “Society is increasingly diverse. Businesses must be diverse to have harmony. Employees, customers, suppliers, and nonprofit partners are mutually dependent on each other, and all of them are diverse. If you don’t leverage that to create business value or you are going to become extinct.”

Methodology: The Chamber Foundation analyzed the corporate social responsibility (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.

NEW YORK – Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (NYSE: MSGS) (“MSG Sports”) and Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (NYSE: MSGE) (“MSG Entertainment”) announced today a partnership with the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ campaign to promote responsible gaming.

“With the continued growth of legal sports gaming throughout the tri-state area, it’s a priority for MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment to ensure that fans and viewers have access to educational resources on how to wager responsibly,” said Ron Skotarczak, Executive Vice President, Marketing Partnerships, Madison Square Garden Entertainment. “Providing a platform to amplify Have A Game Plan is essential to our strategy and supporting future growth in this industry.”

As part of the partnership, MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment will activate the campaign in-arena and through digital media with the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers and on-air through MSG Network, including regular features on Odds with Ends, The Bettor Half Hour and The Betting Exchange.

“MSG is a fixture in the New York sports market, and we are proud to have them join Have A Game Plan,” said AGA Senior Vice President Casey Clark. “MSG’s unique activations further support our goal of convening the sports betting ecosystem around a common message to advance responsible gaming.”

AGA’s Have A Game Plan campaign promotes four core principles of responsible sports betting: set a budget and stick to it, keep betting social, know the odds and play with trusted, regulated operators.

Fan and consumer education are critical as sports betting expands nationwide. Today, sports betting is legal in 32 states and the District of Columbia, with 31 jurisdictions already operational. 142 million American adults can now bet legally in their home market.

The AGA launched Have A Game Plan in late 2019 to educate sports fans on the principles of responsible sports betting. MSG Sports joins campaign partners across the sports betting landscape, including BetMGM, DraftKings, Entain, FanDuel, Global Payments, MGM Resorts International, Monumental Sports and Entertainment, NASCAR, New York Jets, NHL, Nuvei, PGA TOUR, Rush Street Interactive, SeventySix Capital, Sightline Payments, Sinclair Broadcast Group, UFC, Vegas Golden Knights and Washington Football Team.

Cherokee Nation Entertainment

“As a top employer in northeast Oklahoma and one of the largest sovereign tribal nations in the United States, Cherokee Nation and our businesses take great pride in our role as industry leaders and positive community partners. We’ve built a reputation for making tough decisions for the right reasons. Our longtime efforts show our commitment to corporate sustainability, and we are always looking for additional growth opportunities. Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB), the tribally owned holding company that owns Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE), Cherokee Federal and Cherokee Nation Cultural & Economic Development, blends its heritage of ingenuity with modern business experience to remain one of the drivers of Cherokee Nation’s prosperity and strength. Our proud legacy of supporting the development of state and local infrastructure as well as our own tribal infrastructure shows our continued commitment to the region’s economic stability.” – Chuck Garrett, CEO, Cherokee Nation Businesses

ADVANCING SUSTAINABILITY

LOWERING CARBON EMISSIONS
As CNB continues to work to define metrics and quantifiable goals related to sustainability efforts, it is making progress in several important areas. In 2021, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa replaced five aging HVAC units with new units constructed from 100% recycled plastic bottles and has set aside $10 million to advance this program with additional units. The new units, which provide significantly more outside air, operate at less than 40% of the previous energy usage. The replaced units and all miscellaneous scrap through normal maintenance practice are sent for recycle.

REDUCING RESOURCE CONSUMPTION & WASTE
The Cherokee Nation has made investments in clean, accessible water and electric vehicle chargers across the reservation. In 2017, Cherokee Nation installed solar canopies and purchased electric vehicles for government employees to use during business. In 2018, all nuclear fuel from the old Sequoyah Falls nucllear plant was removed by the Cherokee Nation. In 2021, an electric vehicle charger was installed at the CNE Tahlequah casino for the transit bus program, and ongoing efforts are in place to install additional chargers and solar canopies and build EV buses and trucks to deploy across the various CNE properties.

 

 

STRENGTHENING DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

STRENGTHENING EMPLOYEE DEI
At CNB, our human capital is our most valuable asset. We believe that the collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression and unique capabilities that our employees invest in their work makes us a stronger company and better able to serve our customers around the world. While CNB maintains a publicly announced Indian employment preference when work is performed on or near our reservation, CNB is committed to workforce diversity, creating equity across our systems and fostering a culture of inclusion. By creating an environment where all employees are engaged and empowered, CNB strengthens our business and fosters a culture where employees are inspired to challenge themselves and to be innovative in their thinking.

SUPPORTING RACIAL EQUALITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE EFFORTS
Cherokee Nation recently announced a new project that explores the history of Cherokee Freedmen, descendants of enslaved people. The goal of this project is to better understand Cherokee Freedmen history and include those voices within the Cherokee story today, such as the first person of Freedman status holding a position in Cherokee Nation’s government.

 

A Legacy of Learning

For 150 years, Cherokee Nation has operated the Sequoyah School system. Today, Sequoyah Schools is a modern institution with a focus on academic excellence and Cherokee language studies. Sequoyah Schools frequently counts among its senior graduates Gates Millennium Scholars and students accepted into prestigious colleges and universities across the United States.

The average enrollment in Sequoyah Schools is just over 375 students, all citizens of a federally recognized tribe. Sequoyah offers a diverse curriculum, honors courses and opportunities in athletics, the arts and a wide variety of clubs.

 

Partnerships for the Future

Cherokee Nation is engaged in the first partnership between an accredited medical school and a tribal nation.

The OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation is the first tribally affiliated medical school on tribal land in the country with a focus on educating primary care physicians who have an interest in serving rural and underserved populations in Oklahoma.

 

 

 

INVESTING IN COMMUNITIES 

SPURRING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
With more than 400,000 citizens, Cherokee Nation is one of the largest Native American tribal governments. To maintain self-reliance and economic stability, Cherokee Nation develops a vibrant hub of industry and commerce in Oklahoma with meaningful jobs. Cherokee Nation and its businesses have an annual economic impact in northeast Oklahoma of $2.16 billion. At CNB, 63% of profits are invested in businesses that create jobs in high-growth, high-potential industries — employing Cherokee Nation citizens and promoting self-sufficiency. The remaining 37% is invested in Cherokee Nation programs and services, including health care, education, infrastructure and cultural programs. CNE, which operates Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and nine Cherokee Casinos, was founded with the purpose to create jobs within the Cherokee Nation, encourage growth and foster flourishing communities, allowing the Cherokee culture and language to be preserved and passed on to new generations.

ADDRESSING CRITICAL COMMUNITY NEEDS
In 2014, Cherokee Nation partnered with the town of West Siloam Springs to improve its public works infrastructure. A new water tower and other improvements ensure residents and businesses have an adequate water supply. The $2.2 million partnership between the town, Cherokee Nation and CNE included construction of a new water storage tank, a new pump station and updated waterlines. Building partnerships with local and municipal entities to expand infrastructure helps the entire community. This collaborative project had a dramatic and lasting effect on the region.

In 2013, Cherokee Nation launched an overhaul of the country’s largest tribally operated health care system, investing $100 million from its business holdings to improve health care for the Cherokee people. The tribe replaced or renovated four health centers and built an outpatient clinic. CNB’s construction division managed the entire project and hired dozens of subcontractors, which helped boost the local economy.

In 2022, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. signed legislation that will invest a total of $440 million in health care capital improvement projects, including $400 million for construction of a new hospital in Tahlequah and $35 million for a new outpatient health center in Salina, OK.

Contributions by CNB to nonprofit partners in the communities where we have businesses totaled more than $16 million over the past five years. Locally, Cherokee Nation collaborates with more than 300 nonprofit partners throughout northeast Oklahoma, including the Tulsa Area United Way, Oklahoma Blood Institute, Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma. These partnerships ensure Cherokee Nation is able to reach more of its citizens and help change the lives of people living throughout Cherokee Nation.

In 2022, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner proposed a historic $120 million in funding to expand affordable housing options and offer low-income home repairs and other related housing needs for Cherokee citizens across the reservation. The initial $30 million investment was the largest housing investment in Cherokee history done solely with CNB revenue and before a single penny of extra federal funds was received. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic brought construction to a halt for more than a year, by the end of 2022 we will have met our goal of serving every elder or Cherokee with a disability who was on the housing rehab waiting list as of August 2019.

 

 

RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP

PROTECTING & EMPOWERING CUSTOMERS
During the ongoing pandemic, CNE ceased all gaming/hospitality operations for several months during 2020. Upon a phased reopening, CNE had the health and safety of both patrons and employees at the forefront. The organization created a Responsible Hospitality Handbook that identifies guidelines for health and safety protections, including masks that were mandatory for both patrons and employees, nonsmoking facilities, heightened cleaning protocols above industry standards, and access to sanitation for both front and back of house staff. This Responsible Hospitality Handbook continues to evolve as we are maintaining a focus on health and safety.

CNB has built a legacy of putting the needs of the community ahead of business goals. This happens through actions both big and small. For example, in 2021, CNE put the community first during an unprecedented winter storm. CNE closed all casino properties in an effort to conserve power for community needs and life safety operations such as hospitals.

INVESTING IN RESEARCH & PARTNERING WITH ADVOCACY GROUPS
As a member of the American Gaming Association (AGA) and through its social responsibility efforts, the management of CNE has been educated in issues surrounding human trafficking through AGA programs as well as programs run by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBNDD). CNE’s Surveillance and Security departments have taken information from these resources and integrated them into daily operations in order to identify and effectively deal with potential instances of human trafficking at CNE’s gaming facilities. CNE monitors local criminal activity, including human trafficking, to prepare for and act on these instances. CNE has also begun the process of developing its own internal program for all employees to detect and combat human trafficking.

CNE takes great pride in its responsible gaming program. The program goes beyond regulatory requirements by partnering with and sponsoring the Oklahoma Association of Problem Gambling and Gaming (OAPGG), which provides free behavioral health assistance to problem gamblers as well as training and education for the casino industry and the general public in Oklahoma. CNE utilizes OAPGG training as a basis for its own training of employees to recognize and assist patrons who may have issues gaming responsibly. CNE also participates in OAPGG’s statewide self-exclusion program for problem gamblers and donates any proceeds from excluded patrons’ winnings to behavioral health programs for problem gamblers.