Are Modern Casinos Really An Ecological Gamble?
The jury is still out on whether casinos are good or bad for the environment. Some people argue that they are a necessary evil, while others believe that they are an ecological disaster in the making. There is no denying that, when it comes to land-based casinos, there is a large carbon footprint. But what about the other side of the coin? Are there any benefits to be had from casino gambling?
It’s estimated that the gambling industry as a whole contributes around $125 billion to the global economy each year. This figure is expected to rise to $155 billion by 2021. With such a large contribution to the world economy, it’s no surprise that some of the world’s biggest and most successful companies are in the gambling industry.
The gambling industry is also a major employer, with over two million people employed globally. In the United States alone, there are around 150,000 people employed in the gambling industry. This figure is expected to rise to 200,000 by 2022.
So, what does this all mean for the environment?
Well, it’s estimated that the gambling industry produces around 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide each year. This is the equivalent of putting 3.5 million cars on the road. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are some casinos that are working hard to be more eco-friendly.
Melco Resorts and Entertainment
A notable example is Melco Resorts and Entertainment, which is one of the world’s largest gambling companies. Melco has committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2030 and has been working hard to reduce its carbon footprint.
The Venetian Macao
The Venetian Macao is another example of a casino that is working to be more eco-friendly. The Venetian has installed solar panels on the roof of the casino and has also introduced electric vehicles to its fleet.
MGM Resorts
MGM Resorts is another company that is working hard to reduce its environmental impact. MGM has installed solar panels on several of its properties and has also introduced a number of energy-saving initiatives.
Resorts World Sentosa
Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore is another good example of a casino that is working towards being more environmentally friendly. Resorts World Sentosa has installed a number of solar panels and has also introduced a recycling program.
Mandalay Bay Resorts
Mandalay Bay Resorts in Las Vegas is another example of a casino that is working to be more eco-friendly. Mandalay Bay has installed solar panels on the roof of the resort and has also introduced electric vehicles to its fleet.
Caesar’s Entertainment
Caesar’s Entertainment is another company that is working hard to reduce its environmental impact. Caesar’s has installed solar panels on several of its properties and has also introduced a number of energy-saving initiatives.
Sibaya Casino
Sibaya Casino in South Africa is another good example of a casino that is working towards being more environmentally friendly. Sibaya has installed solar panels and has also introduced a number of water-saving initiatives.
Online casinos
Online casinos are also getting greener. Many online casinos now operate on renewable energy, such as solar and wind power. And, as more people prefer to play casino games online instead of visiting a physical casino location, the environmental effect of the gambling business is expected to lessen even further and there are online slots that pay real money too.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. While the gaming business has a large carbon footprint, certain casinos are making efforts to be more environmentallyfriendly. With an ever-increasing number of individuals turning to playing casino games online, the environmental impact of the gambling industry is expected to diminish even further. So, whether you want to gamble in an eco-friendly manner, look at some of the casinos mentioned above.