How Online Casinos Are Embracing the LGBTQ Lifestyle

READ TIME: 3 MIN.

The LGBTQ movement is a global one that has shown no signs of stopping over the last few years. As attitudes have changed, so have laws and acceptance. Slowly, the world is starting to show signs of improving tolerance, with companies including LGBTQ culture in their marketing and brand awareness. One sector that has done this is the online gambling industry, which has done so in a bid to attract a more diverse group of customers. In the article below, we discuss how online casinos are embracing LGBTQ culture.

LGBTQ Casinos

Oddly enough, there has never been a designated LGBTQ casino. Luckily, across the world, many of the most famous casinos have been located in areas that have typically been a haven for LGBTQ clubs and bars. If you visit the Holland Casino in Amsterdam, for example, you are right near the districts of Kerkstraat and Reguliersdwarsstraat. Pop into the Empire Casino at London's Leicester Square and you are a stone's throw from Soho and the West End.

Unfortunately, the only experiment at an LGBTQ online casino was Tom's Casino. It took its name from the gay comic books by artist Tom of Finland and opened in 2016. It closed down not long after. This may have been down to the fact that apart from its graphical style, it did very little to differentiate itself from other online casinos and had a smaller selection of games.

Ways Online Casinos Are Embracing LGBTQ Customers

There are several ways online casinos are embracing LGBTQ customers. The first is that they have begun to include themes, such as rainbow color schemes, in marketing and advertising. One of the most famous slot game franchises, Rainbow Riches, has an Irish theme that is peppered with an undercurrent of gay symbolism and iconography. This has also branched out to sponsorships and partnerships, particularly with companies that are visible at pride events and community happenings.

This change is indicative of a trend across the US. While many states remain mired in the past, holding onto traditional attitudes, things have begun to change. In the gambling community, there are now many states that have started to allow online casinos to operate in their jurisdictions. This has seen the rise of many different, high-quality operators. This Fanduel casino review is an in-depth analysis of one of the main providers in areas such as PA, NJ, MI, and WV. Much of this has mirrored the growing acceptance of the LGBTQ community.

The Dangers of Pinkwashing

What these companies need to do to attract the attention of consumers is to avoid pinkwashing. This is a term given to companies that promote LGBTQ values on the surface but fail to do much else about it other than fly a rainbow flag.

The first place many operators and developers can start is in their own company. This includes having policies against discrimination and making inclusive working environments. These companies can also organize events to promote LGBTQ awareness within their organization.

The online casino industry is global. It has many different players and though the exact percentage of LGBTQ players is unknown, it must be high. With more representation, they should be able to attract more customers and provide a more inclusive gaming experience.


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