The iGaming industry has grown explosively over the past decade, but its rapid expansion has come with a significant environmental cost. Online gaming platforms require robust digital infrastructure, particularly high-capacity servers that consume large amounts of energy. In response, several companies are leading the charge toward a greener future by adopting renewable energy sources and sustainable practices.
Energy Consumption of iGaming Servers
iGaming servers run 24/7, demanding high levels of electricity to ensure uninterrupted service. A single online casino server can consume up to 1,200 kWh per month. When scaled to global server clusters that support real-time gaming, transactions, customer service, and databases, the energy usage becomes substantial. The global iGaming industry’s total energy consumption exceeds 6 billion kWh annually, equivalent to the COâ‚‚ emissions from over 500,000 households in a year. Much of this energy is still generated from fossil fuels, exacerbating the environmental impact.
Companies Leading the Green Shift
Several major players in the iGaming sector are making significant strides in sustainability. Betsson, a Swedish company, has relocated its data centers to Norway and Sweden, where they are powered entirely by hydroelectric energy. This move has reduced their COâ‚‚ emissions by over 3,500 metric tons annually, an 80% reduction from their previous footprint. Betsson also publishes quarterly carbon footprint reports and uses high-efficiency servers to minimize waste.
Kindred Group has set an ambitious goal to achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2025. The company has transitioned its systems to data centers powered by solar and wind energy, with 63% of its tech infrastructure already running on renewables as of 2023. Kindred has also invested in reforestation projects in Finland and Poland to offset residual emissions. Evolution, known for its live casino solutions, has built a Tier IV Gold-rated data center in Riga, Latvia. The facility uses solar power and a liquid immersion cooling system that reduces electricity consumption by 30%. Evolution’s data center has achieved an impressive Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.2, significantly better than the industry average of 1.7.
Pragmatic Play has earned ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 certifications for its environmental management and energy efficiency practices. The company focuses on reducing its environmental impact across all processes, from game design to server operations. Players can support these efforts by choosing eco-friendly platforms and taking advantage of offers like free spins without deposits, which reduce the need for multiple financial transactions and lower digital traffic.
Player Contributions to Sustainability
Players have a crucial role to play in promoting sustainability within the iGaming industry. By selecting platforms that prioritize ecological responsibility, such as those certified by sustainability organizations or those that publish energy audits, players can drive demand for greener services. Simple actions like limiting the frequency of reloads, using energy-saving modes on devices, and avoiding multiple active tabs can collectively make a significant impact. Educating consumers about companies that use renewable energy sources can also lead to more informed decisions.
The rise of green blockchain technologies is another promising development. Some cryptocurrency-based casinos have switched to low-energy blockchains like Solana and Algorand, which consume less than 0.0003 kWh per transaction. Projects like GreenStake are integrating sustainable validation methods for blockchain gaming operations, offering decentralized business models that reduce reliance on centralized physical servers.
Reducing Digital Traffic and Energy Use
Every click and interaction on an iGaming platform generates digital traffic that consumes energy. A single online slot game can transmit between 5 and 20 MB per minute. To mitigate this, some operators are developing “lite” versions of their interfaces to reduce data usage without compromising the user experience. Caleta Gaming, a Brazilian software developer, has partnered with Neoenergia to power its offices and servers with wind energy, reducing its COâ‚‚ emissions by over 220 tons annually. The company has also developed an internal carbon auditing system to measure and dynamically adjust the environmental impact of its games.
Regulatory Push for Sustainability
European countries like Germany and the Netherlands are already incorporating energy sustainability criteria into online gaming licenses. By 2027, over 45 regulated jurisdictions are expected to require public annual reports on energy consumption and carbon emissions from iGaming operators. These regulations will establish a global standard that rewards platforms committed to environmental responsibility.
The path to a more sustainable iGaming industry is well underway, driven by pioneering companies, efficient technologies, and conscious consumers. Adopting renewable energy, optimizing digital traffic, and prioritizing transparency are key pillars of this new era of responsible entertainment. Every informed decision, whether by corporations or individual players, can make a real difference for the planet.