Launch of charity web site

RNS Number:0947Q
Gaming Corporation PLC
24 September 2003


News Release

Embargoed until 07:00 on 24 September 2003

Gaming Corporation launches Casinoforcharities.com the UK's first gaming for
charity website and bets on growing public support for charities to be aided by
                                    gaming.


Gaming Corporation PLC, operator of the Casino.co.uk (www.casino.co.uk) gaming
portal, has today launched a new Internet casino, Casinoforcharities.com 
(www.casinoforcharities.com), to offer online gamblers their first opportunity to
place bets in an online casino that will generate cash for charities. Nine years
after the National Lottery established gaming as a legitimate funding route for
UK charities, the new website will donate 10% of its gross profits to charities.
Donations will meet charities' less glamorous but essential running expenses
rather than more popular big-ticket projects such as the Millennium Dome.


According to research conducted on behalf of Casinoforcharities.com by Taylor
Nelson Sofres, the UK public is now comfortable with charities being funded by
the proceeds of gambling. A total of 66% of the 1000 people surveyed were happy
with charities raising money this way. Although the "lottery generation" of 16
to 24 year olds showed the greatest support at over 80%, over half of all older
age groups also showed approval.


Justin Drummond, chief executive of Gaming Corporation, said:

"Our research shows that gaming is seen by the public as an acceptable way for
charities to raise money. Online gambling is one of the fastest growing sectors
on the internet, and Casinoforcharities.com aims to see that worthy causes
benefit from this growing industry. The site will appeal to online players who
are attracted by the opportunity to donate to charity while they play. We've
built the donation model around the need that many charities have to cover their
running expenses rather than funding capital costs such as buildings, and we
hope that this clear focus will encourage charity-minded players to use the
Casinoforcharities.com site."


Casinoforcharities.com offers players a range of online versions of popular
games including blackjack, baccarat and poker, as well as slot machine and
novelty games. Casinoforcharities.com pays out over 97% of stakes placed as
winnings compared with only 50% from the National Lottery. The site's encryption
and cash processing meet the highest international standards.


In establishing the venture, Casinoforcharities.com has found that many
charities find it easier to raise funds for capital projects, such as new
buildings and equipment, but struggle to fund the more essential running
expenses.


CasinoforCharities.com would like to hear from charities who are interested in
benefiting from the web site's proceeds. Charities will be selected on the basis
of their ability to ensure that donations are effectively used to give the
maximum benefit to the wider community. Players are encouraged to nominate
charities for donations, and will be kept informed as and when the donations are
made.


Christies against Cancer (www.christies.org) is one of the first charities to
receive donations from the site.


For further information, please contact:


Justin Drummond                             Graham Prince/Jenny Leahy
Gaming Corporation PLC                      Gresham PR Ltd.
020 7349 4300                               020 7404 9000

Damion Greef
Communications Director
07736 381 030



                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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