The online gaming industry is taking some some cool light for helping out in Haiti
There have been reports recently of help being sent to Haiti, in various capacities, from the online gaming community. The reports are timely in a number of ways and despite questions of intentions the reality is that help is help regardless of who it comes from or why.
The timeliness is two-fold. Immediately after something like what happened in Haiti is when support can be the most effective (provided it is well-organized, etc.). The other reason is that around the globe a number of governments are making choices about what to do in regard to online gambling. There are many options from take a complete ban stance to regulation. The real aspects that are being considered vary in importance from location to location, but it is the same question that is being raised.
So, what have they done now?
They have given aid. From charity fund-raising in the form of poker games with celebrity guests to direct donation, the industry has organized ways to allow revenue generated by online casino games to be directed toward helping those that have and are facing tragedy in Haiti. Some that have profited from the online gaming industry are giving directly as well. Reportedly Calvin Ayre has donated 10,000 Euros to Oxfam to help out in Haiti. He is also matching donations by other gaming industry professionals up to 1 million Euros.
Indeed the generosity seems to be well-spread in the online gaming industry as are the profits at the present time. Low-overhead and consistent players are making for a pleasant business model.
If you are an online player you may want to donate some of your winnings the next time you play. If the casino you play with does not have an option to do this directly from the site you might consider donating directly to a charity from your bank account in the amount of what you win.
Maybe they are not the role models that you had hoped for the children, but they do seem to be doing some positive things in the world. Whether that is reason enough to play online casino games is up to you.