Corporate social responsibility in the UK gambling industry

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to offer a preliminary case study exploration of the corporate social responsibility issues being addressed and reported by a number of the UK's major gambling operators. Design/methodology/approach - The paper begins with a short discussion of the characteristics and origins of CSR and this is followed by a brief outline of the structure of the gambling industry within the UK. The paper draws its empirical material from the CSR reports and information posted on the world wide web by a number of the major gambling operators and by a small number of organisations concerned with the regulation and social impact of gambling. Findings - The findings reveal that there are substantial variations in the nature and the extent of reporting. Four companies produced CSR reports while others produced more limited information confined largely to responsible gambling. More specifically, the paper focuses upon four sets of CSR issues namely those relating to the marketplace; the workplace; the environment; and the community and then provides some reflections on these issues. Research limitations/implications - CSR within the UK's gambling industry has received relatively little attention from academics but the paper suggests a number of fertile grounds for future enquiry and research. The paper offers a preliminary exploration of CSR issues as reported on the world wide web and more in depth work will be needed before more definitive conclusions can be drawn. Originality/value - The paper provides an accessible review of the CSR issues and agendas being reported by some of the UK's major gambling operators and as such it will interest academics and practitioners working on and in the gambling industry and those professionals who work with the industry.