The gambling industry is often seen as quite self-serving due to the nature of the gaming market. So, it is always good to see gaming industry professionals taking part in charity campaigns. In recent weeks, we have seen several poker machine developers take on the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise funds for ALS Research. Last week, Per Eriksson, CEO of Net Entertainment, decided to take part in the challenge.
He is featured in a short video filmed at Net Entertainment offices, naming his nominations: Magnus Silfverberg (Betsson CEO), Henrik Tjärnström (Unibet CEO) and Gideon Bierer (Founder or Partis ). Eriksson is doing a great thing by getting other members of the industry involved in this great cause.
“The Ice Bucket Challenge has helped accumulate millions for the ALS Association and it’s an illness that I’m particularly devoted to having had a close friend diagnosed,” he says. “I hope my donation and nominations will provide the iGaming industry an opportunity to raise awareness and contribute to this superb cause.” Poker machine developer International Game Technology also decided to take part in the challenge.
CFO John Vandemore and Director of Corporate Marketing Maarten Lobker both stood outside of IGT’s headquarters while being doused with ice water. They nominated many more members of the IGT team, who themselves took on the challenge. One gaming venue even set a world record by doing the biggest ice bucket challenge.
13 executive members of the Mountaineer Casino decided to take part in the challenge and up the ante. So, they filled a truck with over 400 gallons of ice water, and dumped it over their heads. It was the challenge to use the most water thus far, and the executive team donated over $1000 to the cause.