The Greening of Poker

With poker spreading like wildfire across the length and breadth of the globe, the game continues to inspire thousands of players to travel far and wide for their chosen tournament. The European Poker Tour is now in full swing, which will soon be followed by the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas amongst other events. In the meantime however, there aren't enough planes, hotels, (and ATM machines) to keep up with the constant ebb and flow of card players. Every single wannabe champion hopes to leave their mark on the international poker circuit, but with each suitcase packed, dragged, and flown thousands of miles in many directions, the impact made is not always the one intended.

The past year or so has seen efforts made to reduce the carbon footprint left behind each poker player, helping to turn the industry a more natural shade of green. Such businesses and people have not been given the recognition they deserve, and often struggle virtually unknown in a world where many wish to remain ignorant, or in fact just don't care. There are also many businesses enjoying the attention from promoting themselves as eco-friendly, but a closer look may find some underlying questionable motives.

A Casino With a Conscience

The summer of 2008 saw the first concerted effort on a grand scale to develop a more ecologically friendly poker footprint. The largest poker event in the world, the World Series, saw a conjoined effort between Harrah's and carbon offset marketer NativeEnergy to lessen the global warming impact which comes from the mass energy usage and waste production during this time.

Carbon offsets were available at a price so that players could make up for any damage done during their trip to Las Vegas. Both the Ante Up for Africa charity tournament and the main event gave players the option to offset such emissions. These purchases went towards NativeEnergy's farmer-owned distributed wind program, where financial assistance from NativeEnergy helps farmers reduce their global warming impact and electricity costs via new wind turbines.

Another company who has worked alongside Harrah's, and is attempting to lead the way for "green gambling", is Executive Gaming Monthly (EGM) Green. When the annual troops arrived in the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas for the World Series this year, they not only found a more conscientious set-up, but also the world's first environmentally friendly poker table. Winner of the main event, Peter Eastgate, received one of his very own, courtesy of New Jersey-based EGM Green, who is currently working with him to set up a charity tournament through which the table can be donated.

President of the company, Eric Hansel, grew up close to the beach, so sustainability had always been something close to his heart - as had casinos and gambling. He says his environmental concerns are, "Keeping the oceans and waterways clean, protecting wildlife, planting more trees, and finding ways to help others to take some steps." When the opportunity to start manufacturing eco-friendly tables came up, he took a shot at it, and since then, the company has added green consulting to its range of services.

When people hear the words "eco-friendly", they may think of recyclable products and perhaps a loss in style or quality, but that couldn't be further from the truth. EGM Green's poker tables and other products including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat tables, seating for such tables, slot machines, and also luxury lounge furniture, are made out of forestry stewardship council (FSC) certified woods, and its factory is FSC chain of custody certified. For everything else, Hansel says, "We use recycled metals for the legs on our tournament style tables, and red deer leather from a managed deer farm for the arm-rest ring. Our tables are the only ones to contribute to the LEED rating system for a property."

The Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design Green Building (LEED) rating system ensures properties meet the highest green building and performance measures possible. However, these methods are also conducive to lowering operating costs, so there is little doubt it will not be long before the gaming industry pick up on the benefits of going green.

When asked how the response has been, Hansel said, "It has been interesting. Right now we have gotten great response to our consulting services, because these are actually things that will lower someone's operating costs. The table response as of late has been terrific, but companies are having money issues, and that hurts capital spending. People are picking up on the fact that our table is really the only "green" initiative that sits at a casino's point of sale. This makes it much easier to explain to players and staff what your green goals are."

EGM Green continues to make an impact on all aspects of the gaming industry. It is currently working on developing the first ANSI standard (American National Standards Institute) sustainable slot machine, which seeks to make the machines 25 percent more energy efficient now, and 50 percent more within five years. Now offering energy and LEED consulting services, the company hopes to pass on the "good word" before it really is too late.

"Color" Me Green

From one casino to an entire gambling town - The Rocky Mountain tourist attraction, Central City, Colorado has become increasingly concerned about its impact on the environment. This is mainly due to one man, the town mayor, Buddy Schmalz. For him, turning Central City into one of the first eco-gambling tourist attractions in the U.S. has become top priority.

Tests showed that the town's efficiency numbers were badly affected by a host of over-active gaming machines. These machines were using up so much energy and in turn producing so much heat that the air conditioners were having to work over-time. Therefore, the decision was made to replace all the glitzy show-biz lighting throughout the city with more energy efficient LED bulbs. Its casinos have also begun recycling programmes and installing solar panels in an effort to tidy up the town's act, and attract more tourists to what is hoped will become a guilt-free eco-friendly gamers' paradise.

Mr. Jones

One player who has marshaled the cause and whose message has often fallen deaf ears over the years is British poker professional Gary Jones. In the past, Jones has dyed his hair green to raise awareness and draw attention to his environmental concerns. Nowadays, he has been seen sporting a more natural shade of mousy brown, but his message remains the same - don't fly. Jones does not travel to any events, and this unfortunately means missing out on the World Series in Las Vegas. He does however, play in tournaments that come to him in London, such as this year's World Series of Poker Europe. Card Player will feature an interview with Jones in an upcoming issue.

Rays of Hope

Lost amid a capitalist economy are other solo acts of resistance and conscientious efforts that, although are small, are taking a step in the right direction. Affectionate Brands' Ollie Pop Bubble Gum sponsored a no-limit Texas hold'em tournament which was held in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas recently. Fifty percent of the money collected went towards ProtectOurWinters.org, a non-profit organisation on a mission to reverse global warming through renewable energy products and educational initiatives.

Elsewhere, CasinoDelRio.com which claims to be the first green online poker site has joined forces with environmental organisation New Green Group. The site which is aiming for 100 percent carbon neutral status, pledges to plant a tree for every new player it receives, and has also renovated its casino headquarters to be more eco-friendly. The site says, "By choosing Casino Del Rio, you have made a bold statement that you care, and that you are taking the first steps to making a difference."

Buyer Beware

It must be remembered when it comes to many of these unique projects or products that being different sells, and that there is money to be made from appealing to people's better nature while simultaneously offering an attractive service. Not all companies responded to Card Player's questions, which is surprising considering the need for such organisations and initiatives to be heard and promoted. However, those who are willing to put in the hard graft and effort, and people like Eric Hansel and Gary Jones who are passionate and truly care about the cause, are planting the seed for a better, healthier, and "greener" world in the future.

Card Player will be covering eco-friendly efforts and progress made throughout 2009, particularly in Europe which, perhaps surprisingly, trails the U.S. in green poker initiatives.