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.
AGA Senior Vice President Chris Cylke issued the following statement on the proposed Betting on our Future Act:
“The American Gaming Association (AGA) and our members adamantly oppose any legislation that seeks to ban or limit casino gaming advertising, including for legal sports betting.
Any such effort only serves to reduce awareness for legal options to the benefit of illegal, offshore operators and the detriment of consumers and communities. The proposed legislation would violate well-established free speech protections and undermine the expertise of more than 5,000 state and tribal gaming regulators across the country.
Responsibility is a foundation of the legal gaming industry and that includes with advertising. In fact, there’s never been more attention paid or resources invested in responsible gaming and problem gambling resources. This includes our proactive efforts establishing the Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering, which mandates responsible gaming message inclusion and imposes restrictions on target audiences, outlets and content.
Congress should instead focus its attention on combatting the predatory and pervasive offshore illegal market that offers no responsible gaming measures, age verification or problem gambling resources.
We appreciate Representative Tonko’s interest and will continue to work to ensure a sustainable legal marketplace that puts consumer protections first.”
WASHINGTON – The American Gaming Association (AGA) Board of Directors elected Trevor Croker, CEO and managing director of Aristocrat Leisure Ltd, as AGA’s new chairman. Croker succeeds outgoing AGA Chairman Tim Wilmott, president and CEO of Penn National Gaming, Inc., who has led the AGA Board since 2018.
Croker has been an active participant in the AGA, serving on the board and in executive committees, since his appointment as Aristocrat CEO in 2017. Croker came to the CEO position with broad experience working across Aristocrat’s regulated and social games businesses, in key leadership roles including EVP, global products and insights, chief digital officer, and managing director of Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific.
“It’s a great privilege to lead the AGA during a time of great growth and change in the gaming industry,” said Trevor Croker, CEO of Aristocrat and AGA’s incoming chairman. “I look forward to continuing the progress made under Tim’s leadership to modernize the industry and make responsible gaming a signature priority.”
“I’m thrilled to have such a well-regarded leader in the industry step into the role of AGA’s next chairman,” said Bill Miller, president and CEO of the AGA. “Trevor brings with him invaluable insight from our supplier members and fresh perspectives on how to propel the industry into the next generation of gaming.”
Miller continued, “Tim led the AGA during a dynamic period for the industry and provided a steady hand throughout the association’s own evolution. The entire gaming industry benefited from his leadership, and I’m personally grateful for his continued and wise counsel.”
“It’s been an honor to serve the gaming industry as chairman of AGA the past two years,” said Wilmott. “I’m proud of the strides we’ve made to highlight gaming’s role as an economic engine and mainstream form of entertainment. The future of the organization and industry is bright with Trevor and Bill’s leadership.”
Hear from Drs. Jonathan Gilbert (Hampton University) and Marla Stafford (UNLV) as they discuss their newly developed Responsible Gaming Intervention Effectiveness Scale (RG-IES), a free apparatus designed as a starting point in message evaluation allowing users to assess their RG messages intended to meaningfully impact the thoughts, feelings and behaviors of gaming consumers. You’ll also hear from fellow AGA member representatives about how they currently think about RG message effectiveness and how this new tool could fit into their plans going forward.
Speakers
Dave Forman
Vice President, Research, American Gaming Association
Dr. Jonathan Gilbert
James T. George School of Business I Hampton University
Dr. Marla Stafford
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Tammi Barlow-Marang
Vice President, Global Responsible Gaming, Bally’s
Ashley Cahill
Senior Director, Responsible Gaming and Community Impact, FanDuel
Richard Taylor
Director, Responsible Gaming, BetMGM
Recent research released shows that the gaming industry supports 350,000 small business jobs and is responsible for $52 billion in small business revenues. The report, The Gaming Industry’s Impact on Small Business Development in the United States, was completed by Spectrum Gaming Group and commissioned by AGA.
To highlight the report’s findings, AGA launched its nationwide American Gaming Small Business Jobs Tour. The tour will scan the country to showcase gaming’s strong, positive impacts on local, small businesses that are driving Main Street’s success and American employment. AGA plans to work with a wide range of member companies to showcase their strong partnership with small businesses all around the country.
Resources
Press Coverage Summary
Las Vegas Review-Journal – Road trip by AGA slated to explain how casinos help small businesses
Providence Business News – Report: Casinos in R.I. contribute $1B in economic activity
Politico – Influence
CDC Gaming Reports – AGA: Maryland Casinos Drive Opportunity and Growth for Small Businesses
Casino City Times – Gaming industry important for small businesses, says AGA
CDC Gaming Reports – AGA highlights gaming industry’s positive impacts on small business
Casino.org News – Gaming Industry’s Positive Economic Impact Theme of AGA Small Business Jobs Tour
CDC Gaming Reports – New Study: Casino Industry is Essential to Small Business Growth
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. & WASHINGTON, D.C., March 9, 2022 – The new United States Football League (USFL) today announced it has joined the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ public service campaign. The USFL will promote responsible sports wagering through its broadcast, cable, streaming and social media outlets.
“We’re proud to partner with the AGA to help drive the important message to bet responsibly,” said Edward Hartman, USFL Executive Vice President of Business Operations. “As sports wagering expands nationwide, the USFL is committed to help educate our fans so they can better enjoy the experience.”
Today, sports wagering is legal in 33 states and the District of Columbia, and 50 percent of American adults can now bet legally in their home state.
“Responsible gaming leadership from professional sports leagues like the USFL is critical to getting sports betting right,” said AGA Senior Vice President Casey Clark. “We’re thrilled to welcome the USFL as a partner and value their commitment to prioritizing responsible sports wagering education for their fans.”
Launched in 2019, the Have A Game Plan campaign promotes four principles of responsible sports wagering:
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Keep it social.
- Know the odds.
- Play with trusted, regulated operators.
The USFL joins campaign partners across the sports, media, and sports wagering landscape, including Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Delaware North, DraftKings, 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, Vegas Golden Knights and Washington Commanders.
The USFL inaugural kickoff game on April 16 begins at 7:30 PM ET (6:30 PM CT) at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium. The primetime matchup pits the New Jersey Generals against the Birmingham Stallions and will be presented live on FOX, NBC and Peacock. It is the first scheduled sports competition to air at the same time on two competitive networks since Super Bowl I broadcasted on NBC and CBS, January 15, 1967.
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AGA Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering
Legal sports betting offers fans the opportunity to engage with their favorite teams and sports in new and exciting ways. Sports wagering is an entertainment activity that should be consumed only by responsible adults and marketed accordingly to that audience.
The advertising and marketing of sports betting informs consumers about the types of wagering options and the terms on which they are available. In doing so, they support competition, multiply consumer choice, and can encourage consumer loyalty. Because legalized wagering on sporting contests is a relatively new activity in most states, the American Gaming Association (AGA) is extending its compliance commitments to answer fresh concerns that might arise with it. The Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering sets an industry standard for the marketing and advertising of sports wagering services.
Specifically, the code includes self-imposed restrictions on target audiences, outlets, and materials branding, while mandating the inclusion of responsible gaming in marketing activities. The tenets of the code apply to traditional and digital media marketing activities for both AGA members and non-members.
Code Compliance
The code outlines the enforcement and compliance process, which provides the opportunity for any member of the public to submit a complaint.
If you wish to send a complaint to a sports betting operator, please fill out the complaint form. Your complaint will be reviewed for completeness and relevance before being forwarded to the operator, who will contact you with a response.
This self-regulated, industry-wide program is overseen by the Code Compliance Review Board (CCRB), consisting of two independent co-chairs and five AGA member representatives who each serve three-year terms.
Chairs
Becky Harris, Distinguished Fellow in Gaming, UNLV International Gaming Institute
Alan Feldman, Director of Strategic Initiatives, UNLV International Gaming Institute
Member Representatives
Jen Aguiar, Chief Compliance Officer, DraftKings
Stephen Martino, Senior Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts International
Paul Pellizzari, Vice President, Global Social Responsibility, Hard Rock
Chris Soriano, Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, PENN Entertainment
Andrew Sneyd, Senior Vice President, Brand Marketing, FanDuel
Code Updates
On March 28, 2023, the AGA, in collaboration with our members, announced updates to the Code to evolve industry advertising standards in tandem with the maturation of the legal sports betting market by:
- Enhancing protections for college-aged audiences by:
- Prohibiting college partnerships that promote, market or advertise sports wagering activity (other than to alumni networks or content focused on RG initiatives or problem gambling awareness).
- Prohibiting sportsbook NIL deals for amateur and college athletes.
- Adding age restrictions (21+) for any individual featured in sports betting advertising.
- Changing all references in the Code to the “legal age of wagering” to 21-plus.
- Banning all use of “risk free” in advertising.
- Formalizing an annual process for reviewing and updating the Code.
Read full details here.
Washington, D.C. – The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and American Gaming Association (AGA) are teaming up to promote responsible sports betting through AGA’s Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ public service campaign.
The WNBA joins the National Basketball Association (NBA) as Have A Game Plan partners. The league will educate its fans on responsible sports wagering by providing turnkey resources for use by the league’s 12 teams. Campaign content will include in-venue, broadcast, digital and social media activations, as well as in-app and website integration into the league’s WNBABet tab and content.
“WNBA fans are always looking for new and exciting ways to immerse themselves in our game, and legal sports betting has opened the door for deeper engagement with our league,” says WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison. “As we explore this new avenue, the WNBA is committed to ensuring those who choose to wager on our league have the knowledge and tools to do so responsibly.”
Campaign activations by the WNBA and its teams will begin with the start of the 2023 WNBA season on Friday, May 19, and continue throughout the league’s regular season and playoffs.
“The WNBA’s commitment to Have A Game Plan will expand the campaign’s reach to new and existing basketball audiences,” said AGA Senior Vice President Casey Clark. “As legal sports betting matures across America, reaching the market’s broad group of diverse participants will require exactly the kind of leadership the WNBA, NBA and all of our Have A Game Plan partners have shown.”
Launched in 2019, AGA’s Have A Game Plan campaign brings the broader sports betting ecosystem together around a common consumer education platform, focusing on the four principles of responsible wagering for those who choose to bet:
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Keep it social—sports betting is a form of entertainment for adults.
- Know the odds.
- Play with legal, regulated operators.
Additional campaign partners include Bally’s Corporation, Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, betPARX, DraftKings, Delaware North, Entain, FanDuel, Gaming Society, Global Payments, Major League Baseball, MGM Resorts International, MSG Network, Monumental Sports and Entertainment, NASCAR, NESN, New York Knicks, New York Jets, New York Rangers, NHL, Nuvei, Parx Casino, PENN Entertainment, PGA TOUR, Rush Street Interactive, SeventySix Capital, Sightline Payments, Sinclair Broadcast Group, USFL, U.S. Integrity, Vegas Golden Knights, VSiN and Washington Commanders.
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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.
About the WNBA
The WNBA, which will tip off its 27th season on May 19, is a bold, progressive basketball league that stands for the power of women. Featuring 12 teams, the W is a unique sports property that combines competition and entertainment with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and social responsibility. Through its world-class athletes, the in-game fan experience, TV and digital broadcasts, digital and social content and community outreach programs, the league celebrates and elevates the game of basketball and the culture around it.
In 2020, the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) signed a groundbreaking eight-year CBA that charts a new course for women’s basketball – and women’s sports overall – with a focus on increased player compensation, improvements to the player experience, expanded career development opportunities and resources specifically tailored to the female professional athlete. Key elements of the agreement are supported through the league’s partnership platform, WNBA Changemakers, with AT&T, the WNBA’s Marquee Partner and inaugural Changemaker, as well as fellow inaugural Changemakers Deloitte and NIKE, Inc, and subsequent additions Google and U.S. Bank. During the 2020 season, the WNBA and WNBPA launched the WNBA Justice Movement forming the Social Justice Council with the mission of being a driving force of necessary change and continuing conversations about race and voting rights, among other important societal issues.
Global Payments
Advancing Sustainability
Lowering Carbon Emissions
Global Payments has set a goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The Company will measure and determine a baseline for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, along with relevant Scope 3 emissions, by 2022.
As part of Global Payments’ efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, the Company is working to lower data center emissions through a number of initiatives, including moving workloads to more energy efficient data centers.
Global Payments has taken steps to reduce the impact of its offices through a number of efforts. All Global Payments offices in the U.S. and the majority of its international offices are located close to public transit. Global Payments also installed electric vehicle charging stations within the grounds of its Columbus campus and UK offices. Global Payments’ Future of Work initiative provides employees with tools that enable enhanced capabilities to work from home while reducing the need for face-to-face meetings, travel, and office commuting, lowering carbon emissions as a result. Overall, these initiatives have reduced travel by 30 percent, making a significant impact in the Company’s overall carbon footprint.
Strengthening Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Increase Board and Management Diversity
Global Payments has established an Inclusion and Diversity Advisory Council (I&D), chaired by the President and Chief Operating Officer. It consists of a representative group of team members worldwide who provide insight and input on Global Payments’ DEI initiatives, including its strategy to increase representation of women and minorities at leadership levels in the Company.
Global Payments aims to increase women in leadership to 49 percent and people of color in leadership to 29 percent by 2025.
Strengthen Employee DEI
Global Payments’ DEI initiatives are striving to increase the diversity of its workforce by 15 percent. Numerous ongoing programs include recruiting oversight, unconscious bias training and worldwide networking events. Unconscious bias training engages associates worldwide to educate on existing biases and recognition that those biases shouldn’t impact business decision making.
In 2020, Global Payments held its first DEI Celebration Week and introduced its Conversations of Understanding Series, intended to bring race-related topics to the forefront.
The Company launched the Onyx Network for Black team members and their allies and developed partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Investing in Communities
Delivering in Times of Crisis
In 2020, Global Payments supported a range of organizations involved in COVID relief efforts, including the American Red Cross, Feeding America, the NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund and the United Way, among others. The Company also gifted riverfront property in Columbus to the Mercer School of Medicine to help further medical education.
Expanding Education and Career Opportunities
Global Payments supports higher education for its associates’ families by providing scholarships.
Global Payments’ team in Manila, Philippines collected over 140,000 Philippine pesos and donated more than 40 tablets and laptops to Tulay Tuloy Eskwela, an NGO that seeks to make education possible and accessible to all Filipino children.
Addressing Critical Community Needs
In 2020, Global Payments donated nearly $7 million to organizations that have touched the lives of its employees and community members, including the United Way and Healing Fund, the Susan B. Komen National Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Heart Association.
Global Payments designates two days a year as days of service. In 2021, Global Payments team members participated in service projects and made donations worldwide, partnering with local nonprofits and NGOs from the Philippines to India to Indiana.
Netspend CARES, a Global Payments Company, engages in a number of volunteer and charitable efforts, including Feeding America, the Asha Deep Foundation and Housing Opportunities for Musicians & Entertainers.
Global Payments also contributes to supporting under-represented communities, and through its Social Justice and Equality Fund is committing to an ongoing charitable giving plan to fight systematic racism.
Responsible Leadership
Protecting and Empowering Customers
Global Payments has implemented a Gambling Intervention system across its platform of products and services that allows players to self-exclude and set their own limits. It enables patrons to quickly and easily establish personal guidelines that can work across all operators and channels to provide them with assurances that their personal needs are being fulfilled.
Investing in research and partnering with advocacy groups
Global Payments has built an integrated ecosystem that supports responsibility across operators and channels. Global Payments was a founding partner of the UNLV Collaborative on Cashless Gaming’s Impact of Responsible Gaming and is a member of the National Council on Problem Gaming. The UNLV Research Collaborative on Responsible and Cashless Gaming Solutions will work to provide a scientific, data-driven foundation for policymakers and regulators to make sound decisions in the future. The Company invests time and resources to provide innovative solutions that support responsible gaming, including partnering with the AGA’s Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ Campaign.