Gaming1: inclusive shareholding incentivises employees to achieve

Empowering employees, and perhaps more crucially fostering a true sense of belonging, is a central ambition of organisations that span many if not all industries on a global basis, but is one that is far from easily achieved.

In an era where employer’s ruling with an iron fist is on the wane and increasing value is placed on true talent and experience, the challenges regarding attraction and retention are ones that seemingly continue to rise.

With this in mind, Gaming1 pulled back the curtain on its Tous Actionnaires (All Shareholders) initiative earlier in the year. The inclusive program allows every employee to become a shareholder.

“Tous Actionnaires was inspired by a desire to deepen the connection between employees and Gaming1’s mission,” Nicolas Leonard, Chief Strategy Officer and Shareholder of Gaming1, said of the thought process behind the introduction, as well as offering a little more information on its overall structure.

“By offering them the opportunity to become co-owners, we sought to cultivate shared ownership and pride, aligning individual aspirations with the company’s success.

“The initiative allows employees to purchase shares with an added benefit: for every share bought, Gaming1 matches it with a free warrant. 

“This lowers financial entry barriers while maximising the leverage on their investment, ensuring that all employees feel included in the program. This approach is a reflection of team spirit, one of our core corporate values, and highlights our commitment to inclusivity.”

“This initiative embodies our dual commitment: creating a fulfilling workplace and contributing to regional growth”

Tous Actionnaires, the gambling group says, is intended to foster a sense of co-ownership and belonging among a workforce that spans some 1,600 across three hubs that are located in Belgium, France and Malta.

In turn, it is hoped that this will deepen employees’ commitment to overall group success and enhance an ability to attract and retain talent.

However, there is more that lies behind this premise of the introduction. Leonard continues: “Our primary goals were to boost employee engagement, strengthen retention, and enhance our workplace culture. 

“By involving employees as stakeholders, we also aimed to foster greater transparency and alignment with Gaming1’s strategic vision, as everybody looks in the same direction.”

In addition to the above, Gaming1 also suggests that its primary objectives also lie beyond simply empowering every employee to become a key player in its entrepreneurial journey.

Beyond this, the company adds that Tous Actionnaires is intended to reflect a dedication to fostering sustainable growth in Wallonia, where its headquarters are based, and creating a rewarding workplace culture.

“This initiative embodies our dual commitment: creating a fulfilling workplace and contributing to regional growth,” Leonard continues.

“By enabling employees to invest in Gaming1, we foster a culture of belonging and shared purpose while strengthening ties with the local economy.

“Our long-standing recognition as a top employer for three consecutive years and EcoVadis Silver Medal recipient for excellence in ESG criteria underscores our commitment to responsible business practices and employee well-being.”

“We plan to expand the program abroad and to make it even more accessible”

Interest within the initiative is also reported to have witnessed an immediate uptake. This strong engagement has seen a strong percentage of employees join the shareholding program in its initial phase.

“The response has far exceeded our expectations. In the first phase alone, 15% of employees joined the program,” he says.

“This strong participation reflects not only the program’s appeal but also Gaming1’s dedication to empowering employees, f”ostering trust, and building an inclusive culture.”

Despite the above, Gaming1 is keen to stress that it will be far from resting its laurels when it comes to issues such as employee empowerment, responsibility and much more moving forward.

Tous Actionnaires, the group assures, will far from be the last introduction as Gaming1 maintains a pursuit of next-level entertainment – a topic that will form the central component of a follow-up SBC News editorial.

“Absolutely. We plan to expand the program abroad and to make it even more accessible, including additional financial education sessions to empower employees,” Leonard concludes. 

“Beyond Tous Actionnaires, we are exploring new initiatives that reinforce engagement, advance Gaming1’s long-term growth, and amplify our societal impact.”