The impact of land-based casinos on ecology has always been problematic since it includes air and water pollution. Plus, it contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases.
However, with the rise of online gambling platforms, this negative impact on the environment has been significantly reduced, especially since a large number of gambling operators started utilizing eco-friendly initiatives.
In fact, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is one of the pioneers in implementing green initiatives in Canadian online casinos. They created the Bet on Green program, whose goal is to help online casinos in Canada reduce their environmental footprint.
Yet, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is not the only initiator of these changes. Namely, the best Canadian online casino sites use many strategies to reduce their impact on the environment and promote eco-gambling, from cloud-based solutions to using AI to monitor energy consumption.
Here’s how CA online gambling platforms are reducing their environmental footprint and promoting sustainability in the iGaming industry, as thoroughly researched by CasinoOnlineCA experts.
Cloud-Based Solutions
All online casinos have to store data about their games somewhere. In the past, this role belonged to physical servers that are known for their high energy consumption, which greatly contributes to environmental pollution.
This is why many CA gambling platforms have started to replace their physical servers with cloud-based systems.
Cloud computing is beneficial for several reasons. First of all, slots that run on cloud-based systems consume less energy than slots that run on physical servers. Secondly, cloud-based systems are much faster and more secure than servers. And finally, games stored in the cloud are constantly monitored so no one will be able to rig them.
This means that online casinos that use cloud-based systems offer a safer gambling environment.
Carbon Offset Programs
Some CA-friendly casinos take a step further by becoming a part of carbon offset programs through which they invest money in projects that deal with the reduction of GHG emissions. These programs may include other eco-friendly activities, such as tree planting, waste and water management, and carbon sequestration.
Green Gaming
Besides casinos, software developers are also trying to make the iGaming industry “greener” by providing innovative approaches to games. Namely, they are creating more efficient software that reduces the energy needed to run games on servers. I.e., their games run on servers powered by sustainable sources, like wind and solar energy.
For example, Wazdan released an eco-friendly version of its popular game Hot Slot: 777 called Hot Slot: 777 Cash Out Extremely Light. This game has lighter graphics that significantly reduces battery drain on mobile devices.
Other prominent game developers, like NetEnt, Playtech, and IGT, also contribute to green gaming. To promote eco-friendliness, they release sustainability reports that show how they managed to reduce their carbon footprint.
Using AI to Monitor Energy Consumption
AI-enhanced gaming is reshaping the online casino industry in many ways. On that note, online casinos employ AI to record the gaming habits of their players and to monitor how much energy their games consume.
This data helps them to better optimize their games and to reduce their negative impact on the environment.
Cooperation With Eco-Friendly Platforms
Many Canadian online gambling sites are promoting sustainability by partnering with environmental organizations, such as the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and Recyc-Quebec.
Some operators even donate a portion of their profits to causes such as renewable energy, wildlife preservation, and reforestation. In this way, online gambling platforms are trying to reduce pollution and raise awareness of the importance of nature conservation.
Switching To Digital Documentation
We all know the impact paper production has on the environment. In addition to cutting down trees and destroying forests, the process of creating paper includes the release of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. These three chemical compounds are the most common air pollutants.
That said, during registration, online casinos can ask their new players to verify their identity by submitting KYC documents, such as a photo of their ID, passport or driver’s license.
While previously KYC documents included physical copies, today they have been replaced by a digital form. With this move, casinos in Canada contributed to reducing the impact of paper production on the environment. They have also reduced the use of paper by digitizing their bet slips and lottery tickets.
Eco-Friendly Banking Options
Online gambling platforms in Canada reduce their negative impact on the environment by accepting eco-friendly payment methods like:
- E-wallets – Skrill, Neteller, Interac, MuchBetter, ecoPayz, INSTADEBIT, and iDebit
- E-vouchers
- Mobile wallets – Google Pay, Apple Pay
- Cryptocurrency – Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and Ethereum
- Direct bank transfers
All the mentioned payment options contribute to environmental protection since they reduce waste.
What’s more, many CA gambling sites offer special rewards, such as bonus funds or free spins, to players who use eco-friendly payment options, like e-wallets or cryptocurrencies, that are slowly starting to revolutionize virtual transactions.
Educating The Customers About Environmental Challenges
Platforms that care about their carbon footprint invest time in educating players about ways they can reduce their environmental impact.
For example, to emphasize the importance of saving energy, eco-friendly casinos will give their players a list of recommendations, such as turning off the computer when it’s not used for gaming or streaming live dealer games in a lower resolution.
CA casinos also maintain sustainability by implementing responsible gambling tools, like self-exclusion, deposit limits, loss limits, and cool-off periods, which will help their players gamble responsibly. In addition to responsible gambling tools, they also provide resources related to gambling addiction.
How Can Land-Based Casinos Become Environmentally Friendly
Although there are several eco-friendly physical casinos in Canada, such as Elements Casino, Parq Casino, River Rock Casino, Niagara Fallsview Casino, Northern Lights Casino, and Casino de Montreal, online gambling platforms are better for the environment.
How? First of all, online casinos don’t involve construction. In other words, they save on materials and electric energy. Secondly, online sites don’t generate waste obtained from drinks and food. And lastly, online gambling platforms don’t involve human traffic, thereby contributing to the reduction of gas emissions.
So, what can land-based casinos do to become environmentally friendly? They can follow the example of their online counterparts, meaning they can:
- Start using renewable energy sources, like solar energy and wind, which will help them reduce energy usage
- Start utilizing LEED Programs to create eco-friendly facilities with a lower carbon footprint
- Reduce food waste
- Use sustainable materials
The Future of Online Gambling in Canada is Green
By integrating environmentally friendly initiatives into their modus operandi, online casinos have inspired major shifts in the iGaming industry, both globally and in Canada. Namely, more and more online casinos in the Great White North are trying to reduce their impact on the environment by implementing sustainable practices.
On that note, some platforms have started replacing their servers with cloud-based solutions. Others have decided to participate in Carbon Offset Programs and cooperate with environmental organizations. Let’s not forget that many CA casinos support software providers that use sustainable sources to power their games.
Furthermore, almost all CA gambling platforms accept eco-friendly, i.e., cashless payment methods, such as e-wallets, e-vouchers, mobile wallets, cryptocurrencies, and direct bank transfers, which significantly reduce waste and GHG emissions.
All this shows that the future of online gambling in Canada is very bright, thanks to environmentally-friendly casinos and their efforts to promote sustainability and educate gamblers on the importance of reducing carbon footprint.
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