“'Help Africa' Campaign Underway at Slotland”

Online casinos have often been subject for criticism for their lack of financial support for needy charities. In a move inspired by Bob Geldof’s ‘Live 8’ project designed to focus the world’s spotlight on the plight of poverty-stricken African nations, online casino company Slotland has recently launched its own African campaign. Titled ‘Help Africa’ Slotland is donating ten percent of deposits made at the casino to help a range of charities combat famine and disease.

Slotland will also be giving its casino members the opportunity to choose from a list of charities where their dollars go. A poll surveying members in mid-August will be responsible for selecting the charities. As an added incentive to dig deep, Slotland is also awarding a 100 percent match bonus on all new members’ first deposits.

The campaign signals a turn around for the online industry, often criticized for not doing enough to get behind social action campaigns. Despite Slotland’s efforts after September 11 and the company’s involvement with Save the Children, the general consensus has been that a more concerted effort is needed from online gambling operators to combat social issues.

Slotland’s marketing manager Hannah Morante says the ‘Help Africa’ campaign is already proving successful, reporting an increase in July deposits at the online casino. Morante believes Slotland customers understand that winning is not just about personal gain but also about the responsibility of helping those in need. “They are supporting our campaign to send money to African welfare organizations by choosing to play at Slotland rather than at other online slot casinos,” she says.

Ryan D of Online Gambling Insider echoes Morante’s statements on the importance of supporting the ‘Help Africa’ campaign. “When we saw the Slotland announcement, there was no doubt in our minds that this was something we had to support,” he says. “We were very encouraged to see an online casino taking such an important stance. The online gambling industry really needs to look at their land-based counterparts and start doing a lot more for charity. Every little bit helps. The world simply can’t do enough.”

The ‘Help Africa’ campaign is expected to run through the month of August. It is hoped that the publicity and the results of the project itself will encourage other online casinos to use their dollars to draw greater awareness to the plights of others.