As we travel to conference after gambling conference, we mostly focus on increasing revenue, the latest products, how to acquire and retain customers, M&As and so on.  At WGES 2017, I was refreshed as I listened to an inspiring presentation led by Jan Jones, EVP of Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility for Caesars Entertainment.  Her speech was focused on the topic of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and why gambling companies and the gambling industry as a whole should be doing more to give back to society.

Jones pointed out how the public views the gambling industry as “bad” and expects us to do harm.  She emphasized the importance of making CSR a core part of our organizations, led by senior management.  She said by implementing solid CSR strategies, organizations become an employer of choice, regulators become friends not foes, investors take notice and public perception improves.

Not to mention as human beings, doing good feels good and brings happiness to others.

I was also refreshed at WGES during my interview with Mr. Green’s CEO, Jesper Karrbrink (to be released here at CalvinAyre.com on Wednesday, July 26th), when I realized the number one topic he wanted to discuss was his company’s CSR initiatives as opposed to the suite of products Mr. Green has to offer.