Many industries in this day and age are concerned or doing their part when it comes to the environment, and the gambling industry is no exception to that. The rise of eco-consciousness has put the environmental impact of both physical and online sportsbooks under scrutiny.
So, before jumping on the finest betting sites such as Bet365 in Thailand, read this article to determine the ecological implications of these two types of sportsbooks. This article will try to determine which one holds the upper hand in sustainability.
Physical Sportsbooks
Attracts Crowds of People:
A major feature of physical sportsbooks is their ability to bring in a large number of people who are in search of entertainment. While this has the potential to create a very fun and vibrant space, the negative side to this is that when there is a large crowd of people, a lack of concern for eco-friendly habits comes into effect.
A crowd focused on entertainment, especially when there is a very big game to watch, is certainly not focused on environmental preservation. This means that behaviors such as properly disposing of trash, not trampling on greenery, etc end up at the wayside.
Oftentimes, there is not even a deliberate disregard of environmentally friendly practices, but people are simply wrapped up in the moment and the hustle and bustle of the crowds.
Excessive Energy Consumption:
The secret behind the big attraction to physical sportsbooks, especially those that are in tandem with online casinos, is the big lights that give off glitz and glamor.
This leads to excessive energy consumption. Inside these sportsbooks are designed to keep people in, through dazzling lights, elaborate decor, and continuous air conditioning for comfort. All this energy usage exacerbates the environmental impact of these locations, driving up an establishment’s carbon footprint.
Affects Surrounding Infrastructure:
With such huge crowds being drawn to these physical locations, it is not surprising that there are large developments of parking lots and other infrastructure to accommodate the influx of visitors. This undoubtedly puts a big strain on the local ecosystems.
All the sportsbook developments in these physical areas transform family-friendly areas and can have a long-lasting effect on the surrounding areas, disrupting and displacing habitats and ecosystems.
Online Sportsbooks
Electricity Usage of Data Centers:
One would be forgiven for thinking that online sportsbooks do not have any environmental concerns due to their lack of physical footprint, but that would be the wrong thought. However, online sportsbook platforms do have to be run somehow. The way that they function is through the use of data centers.
These data centers require a huge amount of electricity, which contributes to carbon emissions and environmental degradation. However, it has to be noted that online sportsbooks don’t have the same physical limitations as physical sportsbooks, which means that they are not limited in terms of the number of people they can host.
Hundreds of thousands of people can place bets at the same physical sportsbook, which means that the per-person contributions to energy usage at the data centers are actually minimal.
Player Electricity Usage:
Data centers are not the only contributing factors to electricity usage; there are also players’ usage. This is when players access online sportsbooks through their devices.
Although this is still energy consumption, it should be stated that this type of energy usage is relatively small in comparison to the resources required to keep up physical sportsbooks. In addition to it all, a lot of players would most likely be using their devices for other entertainment purposes, regardless of whether they are gambling online or not.
Eliminates the Need to Travel:
One of, if not the most significant, environmental benefits of online sportsbooks is their ability to eliminate players’ need to travel to physical locations. Players are able to instantly access their favorite sportsbooks from the comfort of their own homes, which helps in reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation and alleviating pressure on congested roadways.
Some Online Sportsbooks Have Environmentally Friendly Initiatives:
Some sportsbooks have decided to separate themselves from those who do not want to accept or take on environmental responsibilities. Various platforms have taken it upon themselves to step up and make moves by implementing initiatives that support sustainability and local community development.
A general example is that there are some initiatives that provide support for communities across Africa, addressing basic needs, supporting women’s sports teams, and promoting environmental awareness.
The Winner? Online sportsbooks
All things considered, the evidence points to the fact that online sportsbooks are more eco-friendly than their physical counterparts. While both industries most definitely have their drawbacks in terms of energy consumption and environmental impact, online sportsbooks offer better, or rather significant, advantages in reducing travel-related emissions and promoting eco-friendly initiatives.
However, online gambling platforms must continue investing in sustainable practices and initiatives to mitigate their environmental footprint and contribute positively to the planet. By prioritizing sustainability and embracing environmentally friendly practices, the gambling industry can ride the wave of eco-friendliness while providing entertainment for players worldwide, achieving the perfect balance between the two goals.
