A GREaT idea – Responsible gambling awards at I.G.E

The GREaT Foundation, formerly known as the Responsibility in Gambling Trust, will be using January’s International Gaming Expo at Earls Court in London to promote and acknowledge the unique work undertaken by the gambling industry in helping to care for the small percentage of people in the UK who are classified as being ‘problem gamblers’.
In addition to having a stand presence at what is arguably the most comprehensive b2b gaming event in the world, The GREaT Foundation will also be holding its inaugural awards presentation at Earls Court.
The presentations, taking place at a photo-opportunity on Tuesday 26th January, the first day of the exhibition, will recognise those gaming organisations whose donations have, in the judgement of an independent evaluation panel drawn from all sectors of the industry, exceeded reasonable expectations. The gold and silver level awards will be made to companies for donations made between April and the end of November 2009.
So far this year, a total of 367 companies have contributed money but the Foundation is still some GBP 650 000 short of its GBP 5 million target for the year 2009/10.
Geoffrey Godbold, CEO of the GREaT Foundation, believes that the awards will help raise the profile of the work undertaken by the gaming industry and encourage more organisations to become donors. He explained: “I can’t think of another industry that has done more under its own steam and of its own volition to help the proportionately small numbers who get into problems gambling.
“The industry has been very successful in hiding its light under a bushel in this area and I hope that the awards will provide a platform from which the business can broadcast its achievements and successes, which eclipse those of other high profile sectors, notably the drinks industry.
“The credentials of IGE, which encompasses every platform and discipline of gaming from low stake high volume, remote through to lotteries and land-based casinos, makes it an ideal event to launch our awards.”
Julian Graves, Managing Director of IGE organisers, Clarion Gaming said: “We are delighted to be able to provide a platform for the Foundation, which undertakes extremely important work in an efficient, effective and pragmatic manner. We welcome the opportunity to help promote and champion social responsibility in gaming.”
The GREaT Foundation awards will take place on Tuesday 26th January at 16.00 hours in the Earls Court Seminar Theatre.

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