How the Gambling Industry Is Embracing the LGBTQ+ Community
Apparently 10% of the world’s population is queer and now that the fact has become a more acceptable concept in western countries, the gambling industry is happy to embrace the possibility of including that 10% as part of their burgeoning market.
Gambling companies are often seen as more inclusive than many businesses due to their lack of religious or conservative agendas, focusing solely on providing services and making profits. A person's sexuality or gender identity is irrelevant in gambling venues; as long as customers have money to gamble. This, as well as evidence that the LGBTQ+ community has significant purchasing power, has led to a significant increase in online casinos and slot machines catering to the LGBTQ+ community over the last decade. If you’re curious, you can explore casino sites operating in British Columbia here.
Some of the inclusive strategies being implemented by modern casinos include:
Inclusive Marketing and Advertising: Gambling companies have joined the rest of the western world and started to include LGBTQ+ themes in their marketing and advertising campaigns. This includes featuring LGBTQ+ individuals in advertisements and sponsoring events related to the community.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Many gambling companies sponsor LGBTQ+ events and initiatives. For example, some casinos and online gambling platforms sponsor Pride events, LGBTQ+ sports teams, or community gatherings. These sponsorships not only provide financial support to LGBTQ+ causes but also help to raise awareness about them. What’s on Queer has set up a Champions magazine area on this website in order to feature and encourage this kind of support.
Inclusive Policies and Practices: Within their own organizations, gambling companies are increasingly adopting inclusive policies. This includes non-discrimination policies, offering benefits to same-sex partners, and creating a more inclusive work environment for LGBTQ+ employees. There are also efforts to educate staff and customers about LGBTQ+ issues, promoting a culture of inclusivity and understanding within the industry.
And my personal favourite
Enhanced Representation in Gaming Content: The gambling industry, particularly in the realm of online gaming and casino games, is actively working to incorporate more LGBTQ+ inclusive content. This can include diverse characters and themes in slots, video poker and other graphic games; actual LGBTQ+ themed games that include symbols, music, and narratives that are reflective of LGBTQ+ experiences and milestones (rainbows, unicorns, pride symbols, etc ); Inclusive storylines; and extensive customization options for avatars and characters, allowing players to express a wide range of gender identities and preferences.
Pink Money
It's important to note that while these efforts are commendable, the extent and sincerity of these initiatives can vary between companies. Some may genuinely be committed to LGBTQ+ inclusivity, while others might be accused of "pinkwashing" – a term used when a company or organization is perceived to be supporting LGBTQ+ rights merely for commercial or superficial reasons rather than a genuine commitment to the cause. We do live in a capitalist society after all! We don’t at this time, have any kind of list of genuinely inclusive casinos or games, but if you know of any please send us the link !
Are we more susceptible?
For some people, gambling addiction is a serious life issue and the relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and gambling addiction or abuse requires a nuanced understanding. Research has shown that individuals in the LGBTQ+ community may face a higher risk of various forms of addiction, including gambling. This is thought to be due to a variety of factors including stress from discrimination and mental health issues. But LGBTQ+ individuals may also belong to other groups that are at risk for gambling problems, such as certain ethnic or socioeconomic groups so the statistics are not that straightforward. The risk of gambling addiction is more related to the societal challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals than their identity itself. Resource information on the topic of addiction and LGBTQ can be found here.
LGBTQ Casinos
Yes, they have existed! Kim Alexander's LGBTBet, launched in 2015, was a pioneering online casino targeting the LGBT community, initially focusing on the LGBTQ-friendly Philippines with ambitions to expand into Europe. It planned to innovate with the world's first LGBTQ+ themed slot machine, featuring symbols representing various stages of a relationship. However, due to insufficient marketing, it struggled to attract a substantial audience and closed in the same year. Following this, in 2016, Lunas Entertainment introduced TOMS Casino, the first online casino exclusively for gay men, highlighting its unique focus and commitment to donating a portion of profits to LGBTQ+ charitable causes. Despite its noble intentions, TOMS Casino also faced challenges in marketing and distinguishing itself from competitors, leading to its closure shortly after its launch.
LGBTQ Streamers
The popularity of casino streaming on platforms like YouTube and Twitch is on the rise, attracting viewers who enjoy the excitement of slot machine gambling without the need to spend their own money. Many of these casino streamers, who boast hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of views on their most popular clips, are emerging as superstars in their own right. Among these streamers, members of the LGBTQ+ community are beginning to make their mark, despite the fact that the scene is predominantly populated by young, white, cisgender males.
A notable figure in this space is Brian Christopher, a well-known casino gambling personality on YouTube who is openly gay. He often includes his husband, Marco, in his vlogs and slot-related videos. His channel, "Brian Christopher Slots," has attracted over 260,000 subscribers, with several videos garnering over a million views. Brian's content is characterized by its vibrancy and positivity, making him a role model for aspiring gay casino streamers on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. He stands as an inspiration for future generations, encouraging them to embrace their identity openly.
In Closing
And that's the real deal on the evolving relationship between the gambling industry and the LGBTQ+ community. It's a blend of genuine inclusivity efforts, complex challenges, and the crucial need for vigilance against 'pinkwashing'. Progress is evident with more inclusive environments, games and the rise of LGBTQ+ streamers and personalities, but the journey is far from complete. It's about crafting a space where everyone truly feels they belong, beyond just adding rainbow symbols. As we celebrate these strides, let's also remember the importance of gambling responsibly. Awareness of potential gambling abuse, especially within vulnerable communities, is important. We're in this together, navigating a landscape where the ultimate win is a world of gambling that's safe, fair, and inclusive for all.
