Casinos are dealing with huge amounts of money. Literally billions pass through the industry’s accounting books annually. So with this much money in mind, it would be natural to expect to see at least some ending up as charitable donations, supporting local communities and initiatives. If you’re interested in finding out what your local gambling venue is doing for charity casinos jungle can guide you to your nearest one.
In this article, we take a look at two major Vegas casino groups to see what kinds of initiatives they are supporting.
Las Vegas Sands
Las Vegas Sands are one of the biggest casino groups. Venues include The Venetian and The Palazzo in Vegas, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, and Sands Macao. In March 2020, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic the group donated over 2 million piece of PPE (personal protection equipment) to hospital and care workers in New York and Nevada. This donation included 2 million medical masks and 20,000 protective suits. Sands chairman and CEO Sheldon G. Adelson made heartfelt comments “Our properties in Las Vegas may be empty right now, but our hearts are full of hope for the future. The determination and courage I have seen in our Team Members, which I know is the same throughout this country, gives me every confidence we will get through this unprecedented crisis.”
Sands group also donated $250,000 to Three Square, Communities in Schools and Share Village Las Vegas. These charities provide hunger relief, meals to school students who would be receiving food in schools had they been open, and a veterans community food pantry respectively. As well as financial donations, Sands donated 60 pallets of food and 55,000 bottles of water to help local communities. During the pandemic and the subsequent closure of casino venues the group has taken care of its workers with health cover and pay.
Sands reported earnings of $13.7 billion net revenues in 2018 so it is easy to see how the company is able to provide such large amounts of charitable relief. However, this should not diminish the fact that they have proven to be community minded and socially responsible, particularly in this time of crisis.
MGM Resorts Charity Donations
MGM Resorts is another giant casino corporation. Properties include The Mirage, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, Circus and MGM Las Vegas. They generated approximately 12.9billion US Dollars in 2019. In case you were not aware, casino management is big business!
In 2002 the company created the MGM Resorts Foundation. Since it was founded it has raised more than $80 million and supported over 1,500 charities predominantly in the areas where the casino company operates. Mainly Nevada, Michigan, Mississippi and Maryland charities have benefitted, chosen by MGM Resorts employees. The funds in question are those donated by employees but the company takes on the administrative costs. The company has made volunteering a core part of it’s ethos.
Food Banks
Hardships on low income families have never been more prevalent and unnecessary than it is today. Many families across the US can not always afford to put food on the table and children go to school hungry. Food banks are under strain and many corporations are getting involved to help support them. MGM resorts has partnered with Three Square Food Bank to help support local communities. They also place a huge emphasis on environmental, educational and sustainable goals and practices. In March 2020 they too provided Covid 19 relief by donating 400,000 meals and pledging $1million to an employee emergency grant fund.
What’s happening near you? Get involved!
What do you think about how much casinos should donate to charity? Don’t be afraid to contact your local casino, bingo or betting venue and request what has been done to support your community. You may find the information available on the company website! You can also offer to volunteer to help.
