Charity partnerships and initiatives are nothing new to the gaming industry, with everyone from the big budget giants of Flutter Entertainment and Entain to smaller independents and countless suppliers routinely flexing their CSR muscles.
In the UK, for example, bookmakers of various sizes donate profits from the Britannia Stakes horse racing fixture to a selection of charities annually. Entain, meanwhile, is a supporter of grassroots football while Flutter’s Paddy Power has used a partnership with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK for two years running.
In a more lowkey and unique display of CSR, TotoGaming, a betting and gaming multinational headquartered in Armenia and active in several markets, participated in the Chernika Pantelimon Runfest in Romania, which the group states it did to promote amateur sports and a healthy lifestyle, while also supporting a national children’s charity.
“Supporting such initiatives is a priority for TotoGaming,” said TotoGaming’s Deputy CEO, Artak Ashkhatoyan. “First, 50% of the proceeds from RunFest will be donated to the CLOVES Romania Foundation, supporting children affected by CLOVES Syndrome.
“And second, we’ve always believed in showing our passion for sports through actions, not just words. Have you noticed how we’re constantly rushing through life, yet when we look back, it often feels like we haven’t moved at all?
“It’s important for us to lead by example and show the importance of participation. This is exactly the message we’re promoting through our team’s active involvement in the marathon. After all, there can never be too much sport in our lives.”
TotoGaming launched in Romania last year, taking on a highly competitive market dominated by leading local players like SuperBet. The company explained to SBC News at the time that it aimed to become a ‘top player’ in Romania.
One year down the line, the company is looking to make more of a statement beyond the Romanian betting industry. At the recent RunFest, the company was represented both as an official sponsor and via seven employees who took part in the race.
“I see my participation as a small contribution toward promoting a healthy lifestyle. In my close circle, everyone knows I’m not exactly the sporty type,” said Petrut-Adrian Toea from the TotoGaming team.
“I’m not athletic, and I usually prefer having fun in other ways. But showing up here, early in the morning, in this intense heat, and completing almost eight kilometers with just one short break — I think it set a good example.”
