From Lottoland to the sea: Celebrating gaming industry CSR initiatives
There’s something magical about watching a 70-kilogram turtle named Polly Censa lumber across the sand toward the Mediterranean Sea after spending years in rehabilitation. But for the gaming industry representatives gathered at Golden Bay, Malta on Monday morning, this moment represented much more than marine conservation – it symbolised how gaming industry CSR initiatives are creating real, measurable impact in communities worldwide.
The emotional loggerhead turtle release ceremony, featuring 35-year-old Polly Censa and younger female turtle Duka (see featured image), brought together key figures from Malta’s gaming sector, government officials, and conservation volunteers. Speaking to SiGMA News, Minister Miriam Dalli emphasised the collaborative nature of these efforts, stating: “The release of rehabilitated turtles is a perfect example of that because you have government entities working with NGOs such as Nature Trust, and you also have the input of private entities. Today it’s Lottoland, but that can be replicated elsewhere. What comes to mind are the cleanup activities we do on our beaches and also on our valleys, where I know that there is also the participation of gaming companies in Malta.”
Gaming industry CSR initiatives transform local communities
Nigel Birrell, CEO of Lottoland, has been championing corporate responsibility long before it became a regulatory requirement. Speaking exclusively to SiGMA News during the business breakfast at Radisson Golden Sands, Birrell explained his philosophy: “I think CSR and business go hand in hand. Everyone should get on board with this CSR philosophy.”
The company’s commitment extends far beyond Malta’s shores. “We try to give back to areas where we operate, such as the UK, Gibraltar, Ireland,” Birrell noted. Lottoland’s environmental credentials are impressive – they were the first gambling operator to achieve carbon neutrality and sign the Climate Pledge.
Gaming industry CSR initiatives in action
Vincent Attard, President of , has witnessed firsthand how gaming industry partnerships create meaningful change. “Partnerships like this help us to not only cover part of our costs, but we also have some dedicated full-time staff,” he explained during the turtle release ceremony.
The results speak for themselves. “I am happy to say that with turtles the success rate we’ve been having lately is about 80 percent which is very high compared to other centres around the Mediterranean,” Attard proudly shared.
The human element of these conservation efforts is often overlooked. Mariella and Andrew, volunteer divers at the Malta Skin Divers Club, who rescued Polly Censa, represent the community spirit that makes these gaming industry CSR initiatives so effective. “We were out for a short dive and noticed this turtle at the bottom, which was very, very sluggish,” Andrew recalled. “We quickly realised there was something wrong.”
Maltese gaming sector champions R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Ivan Filletti, CEO of Gaming Malta, special guest speaker during the Business Breakfast, spoke of an industry-wide initiative. The R.E.S.P.E.C.T. campaign is the result of a need to showcase the work that the gaming industry does. “Essentially, the industry is an entertainment industry, but it’s also a very responsible industry. Today’s event shows how much the industry deserves respect,”
Ira Losco, Lottoland’s Malta Brand Ambassador and renowned Maltese songwriter, has witnessed the emotional impact of these conservation efforts firsthand. “I feel that it’s so important that we think about our wildlife here in Malta. Nature Trust is doing such a great job, and Lottoland is helping them to do that,” she shared.
When gaming industry CSR Initiatives reach global communities
While Lottoland’s turtle release today captured hearts in Malta, the broader gaming community’s philanthropic efforts extend across continents. The SiGMA Foundation’s recent achievements, for instance, demonstrate how gaming industry CSR initiatives can create lasting change. In Ethiopia, the Foundation’s €300,000 investment created a comprehensive 3-in-1 school, providing education and nutrition for 1,000 children.
As Polly Censa and Duka disappeared into the Mediterranean waters, they carried with them a powerful message about what’s possible when gaming industry CSR initiatives combine corporate resources with genuine community commitment.
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