The importance of diversity in the gambling industry

The gambling industry has always been a hotbed of innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of both technology and marketing. From live dealer games and the use of virtual and augmented reality to mobile optimisation, the gaming industry has been at the forefront of creating engaging experiences.

While it has made huge strides in innovation, there are some aspects where gambling still has a long way to go. According to the 2018 report by the American Gaming Association, 44 per cent of the industry’s workforce is comprised of women and people of colour. This is in stark contrast to, for example, healthcare and technology where the diversity rate is at 63 per cent and 58 per cent, respectively.

Though the gambling industry traditionally projects an image that is young, white, and male, numerous gaming companies are now making serious efforts and commitments to attracting a more diverse range of workforce and creating inclusive company cultures. 

Fostering diversity within the workforce has been a growing priority for Mr. Gamble, a leading casino affiliate that operates in various markets and serves a truly global customer base. The team behind Mr. Gamble provides up-to-date and fact-checked information about casino bonuses, terms and conditions, limits, fees, and more, to players in regulated markets across several continents.

Mr. Gamble believes that to be successful, the workforce must reflect the diversity of the markets the affiliate operates in. 

“Diversity is not just a buzzword, it’s a necessity for the online casino industry to thrive and innovate. At Mr. Gamble, we believe that having a diverse workforce with different backgrounds and perspectives is key to staying ahead of the game,” says Paul Puolakka, Chief Marketing Officer of Mr. Gamble.

In fact, it turns out that there is a direct correlation between how inclusive a company is and its profitability.

A report by McKinsey & Company found that companies with more diverse executive teams were more likely to have above-average profitability than those with less diversity. Diverse companies are better able to innovate, adapt to changing market conditions, and make better decisions.

A diverse and inclusive workforce not only creates a more welcoming and equitable workplace culture but also brings fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. Or a casino table, in our case.

In the gambling industry specifically, diversity can also help to attract and retain customers. A study by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, found that diverse leadership teams in casinos were associated with higher levels of employee engagement and customer satisfaction – which leads to a higher level of service.

When the industry is more diverse, it can better serve a wider range of customers, creating a more welcoming and enjoyable environment for all. What’s more, bringing in people from more varied backgrounds can lead to the development of new games and services that appeal to a wider range of customers, ultimately increasing revenue and profits.

But it’s more than simply a question of profitability. Just like how everybody gets an equal chance to win, everyone in gambling should have an equal opportunity to have their voice heard.

So how can the industry better achieve diversity?

One way is to focus on recruiting and retaining diverse talent, putting a greater emphasis on inclusive hiring practices. The National Indian Gaming Association is a great example as it has partnered with organisations to develop diversity and inclusion programs for tribal gaming operations.

Another step to take is to focus on creating a more inclusive work culture. We’re not just talking about promoting diversity in leadership positions (although that is a huge step forward), there should be equal opportunities for career advancement period.

Representation needs to go beyond surface-level characteristics. It’s about valuing and respecting diverse perspectives and experiences. This can include providing accommodations for people with disabilities, promoting allyship, and actively listening to and addressing concerns from diverse communities.

Diversity isn’t an either-or situation. When the gambling industry prioritises diversity and inclusion, everybody wins. So, let’s roll the dice and bet on a more inclusive future.