Lottomatica eyes social responsibility

(ANSA)- Rome, July 7 - Italian gaming group Lottomatica took several steps in 2015 to boost its corporate social responsibility, including its involvement in cultural, educational and social integration projects.
    Among figures that reflect its social efforts, Lottomatica took on 23 employees to boost its staffing numbers to 1,715, and invested six million euros in initiatives to benefit the community and encourage responsible use of gaming.
    "Gambling is at the centre of the political, economic and social agenda. We propose a management of the sector along the principles of responsibility and return to the community while continuing to run a satisfying business," said Lottomatica President Fabio Cairoli.
    "We ask the government for stability and certainty... it is not necessary to prohibit gambling, but to give security above all to the players," he said.
    Social projects that Lottomatica is working on include "Let's spread the word", to discourage gambling among minors. It is also investing in Italian heritage restoration projects, supplying student bursaries for young musicians, and supporting programmes in economically disadvantaged parts of the country.