Caesars issues CSR report with diversity and inclusion targets for 2025

Caesars Entertainment launched its 2020-2021 Corporate Social Responsibility report on Wednesday.

The report’s highlights include the company’s response to team members and communities during the global pandemic, recognition from CDP in addressing climate change and water security, and a new multi-year relationship with the NFL “that reflects an ongoing commitment” to responsible gaming, according to a press release.

“The new Caesars Entertainment, which was formed through the acquisition by Eldorado Resorts in July 2020, laid a strong foundation for the future,” said Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment. “We made significant progress in all the key areas of our CSR plan, especially in protecting the wellbeing of our approximately 50,000 team members across the company.”

According to the company, the report highlights its environmental, social and governance (ESG) achievements, sharing the progress of Caesars as an employer, corporate citizen and diversified entertainment leader across seven key areas.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), which implies a commitment to further advance DEI in the workforce, communities and supply base, with a target of achieving full gender and racial parity in leadership roles by 2025. In detail, 50% of leadership roles will be held by women within both mid-level and senior leadership populations, and 50% of leadership roles will be held by people of color (POC). The company also commits to increasing the representation of POC in senior leadership by 50%.

Social Impact, which takes into account Caesars’ substantial economic impact in the communities in which it operates. In 2020, the company turned each dollar of revenue into a contribution of 63 cents, “which is nearly four times the average for U.S. corporations.” 

Environmental Leadership, as in 2020 Caesars was named to CDP’s A-List for both Climate Change and Water Security, joining the ranks of 277 companies (Climate) and 106 companies (Water) out of more than 9,000 disclosing companies.

Another area is “Expanding Through Sport”: Caesars acquired sportsbook operator William Hill during the period, and became the first-ever Official Casino Partner in the history of the NFL and one of the inaugural partners selected as an Official Sports Betting Partner. Caesars also became the naming rights partner for the Superdome, home of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints.

In terms of Positive Guest Experience, Caesars announced significant investments in key gaming markets, including Atlantic City, New Orleans, Las Vegas and beyond, designed to enhance the guest experience on property. Additionally, the company is currently building a new resort in Danville, Virginia.

Responsible Gaming has seen Caesars “continue to lead the industry”, with more than 1,000 specially-trained Responsible Gaming Chairpersons and Ambassadors.

The seventh area taken into account was Measurable Governance. Caesars’ report followed the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework and, for the first time, aligned to Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) standards.

“While we felt the tremendous impact of the pandemic on our gaming, hospitality and conference businesses, we also saw an opportunity to think about our future,” said Stephanie Lepori, Chief Administrative and Accounting Officer at Caesars Entertainment. “Knowing our team members and the communities in which we operate are critical to our long-term success.”

Taking this into account, the company developed “a new mission, vision and values,” which give it focus, inspiration and guidance. “With a strong CSR foundation established, Caesars will continue to demonstrate its Environmental, Social and Governance leadership,” added Lepori.