Report on Corporate Responsibility and Sustainable Development in Digital Media and Gaming Partnerships

Commitment to Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)

• The organization acknowledges the inherent health risks associated with gambling, particularly concerning problem gambling and its impact on mental well-being.
• Proactive measures are promoted to safeguard individual well-being by advising users to engage in gambling only with funds they can comfortably afford to lose.
• To address and mitigate the negative health impacts of gambling addiction, the organization provides direct access to support systems. This is achieved through the dissemination of contact information for critical resources, including:
  1. The National Council on Problem Gambling, available 24/7.
  2. Specific state-level hotlines for targeted assistance (NJ, OH, CO, IA, IN).
• The content provided is explicitly intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes, not as a form of professional advice that could lead to harmful behaviors.

Promoting Sustainable Economic Practices and Consumer Protection (SDG 8)

• The report emphasizes the importance of responsible financial conduct by clearly stating that all forms of betting carry significant financial risk.
• To foster sustainable economic expectations, it is noted that past performance does not guarantee future financial gain, and betting odds are subject to fluctuation.
• In the interest of transparency, the corporation discloses its revenue model, which involves earning commissions from sports betting operators for audience referrals.
• Consumer protection is prioritized by clarifying that the organization cannot be held responsible for financial losses, thereby encouraging individuals to make informed and cautious decisions.

Upholding Legal Frameworks and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

• The organization operates with a strong commitment to the rule of law, mandating that all users must comply with the laws applicable to their jurisdiction.
• Access to services is strictly regulated by legal age requirements, with a clear stipulation that individuals must be 21 years or older to gamble.
• It is explicitly stated that gambling is not legal in all locations, placing the responsibility of legal compliance squarely on the individual user, thereby reinforcing the importance of strong, localized legal institutions.
• The operational framework includes a commitment to providing correct information, while also noting that the organization cannot be held liable for errors, encouraging users to verify information independently.

Fostering Partnerships for Sustainable Goals (SDG 17)

• The business model is based on a partnership between a media corporation (Gannett) and various sports betting operators.
• A key principle of this partnership is the maintenance of editorial integrity. It is affirmed that betting operators have no influence over news coverage, ensuring that the partnership does not compromise institutional independence.
• The organization collaborates with non-governmental organizations, such as the National Council on Problem Gambling, to form partnerships aimed at achieving public health and well-being objectives (SDG 3).

Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The article directly addresses health by highlighting the risks of gambling addiction, which is a recognized mental health issue. It provides contact information for help, stating, “If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER.” This connects to promoting mental health and well-being.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• The article serves as a disclaimer to promote responsible consumption of gambling services. It advises readers to “only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose” and provides information about the financial risks involved. This is an effort to ensure consumers are well-informed, which is a key aspect of responsible consumption patterns.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• The text emphasizes the importance of legal compliance and regulation, which are functions of strong institutions. It states, “Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside,” and mentions age restrictions (“Must be 21 or older to gamble”). This points to the role of legal frameworks and institutions in regulating activities like gambling.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The article reveals a partnership between a media company and private sector businesses: “Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services.” It also points to a partnership with a civil society organization by directing people to the “National Council on Problem Gambling.” These multi-stakeholder collaborations are central to SDG 17.

What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.

• Problem gambling is often classified as a behavioral addiction alongside substance abuse. The article’s focus on providing help for a “gambling problem” and directing individuals to the “National Council on Problem Gambling” directly aligns with strengthening the prevention and treatment of such harmful behaviors.

Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.

• The core of the article is to provide “relevant information and awareness” about the risks of gambling. Phrases like “Gambling involves risk,” “No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain,” and the general cautionary tone are designed to educate the consumer, directly contributing to this target.

Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

• The article’s reference to legal frameworks (“comply with laws applicable where you reside”) and age restrictions (“Must be 21 or older”) implies the existence of regulatory bodies and laws governing the gambling industry. Adherence to these rules is a measure of the effectiveness and accountability of these institutions.

Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

• The article describes a public-private partnership (“Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators”) and a partnership with civil society (promoting the “National Council on Problem Gambling”). This demonstrates the kind of multi-stakeholder collaboration this target aims to encourage.

Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicator for Target 3.5: Availability and promotion of treatment services for gambling addiction.

• The article explicitly provides a helpline number and the name of a support organization: “Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER.” The existence and promotion of such a service is a direct, measurable indicator of progress in providing treatment for behavioral addictions.

Indicator for Target 12.8: Provision of risk and responsibility information to consumers of gambling services.

• The entire article serves as this indicator. The presence of this detailed disclaimer, which outlines financial risks and promotes responsible behavior, can be seen as a measure of a company’s effort to inform its audience.

Indicator for Target 16.6: Existence of and compliance with legal and age-based regulations for gambling.

• The article implies this indicator by stating, “Must be 21 or older to gamble” and “Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.” The enforcement of and communication about these rules are indicators of institutional effectiveness in the gambling sector.

Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: coltswire.usatoday.com