For immediate release

24 May, 2018

Responsible gaming trust “No one left behind”

A new strategic direction aims to strike the right balance of long-term benefit for local communities, along with harm minimisation for gamers, says responsible gambling trust One Foundation, formally known as First Sovereign Trust.

This year marks 15 years of operation for the organisation, which has contributed more than $90 million to community groups, organisations and initiatives since it was first established.

Changes announced at the Trust’s launch in Wellington today <<24 May>> included its new brand, the introduction of an intelligent agent for online grant applications and an even stronger focus on identifying and managing harmful behavior. This includes working with the Problem Gambling Foundation to ensure gamers can better access counselling services when needed.

One Foundation chairman, Malcolm Short says the Trust recently completed a comprehensive review of its strategy to safeguard its long-term sustainability in an ever-changing environment.

“As a result, we have developed a bold and innovative strategy that aligns with our vision to continue helping communities well into the future by implementing gaming innovations and harm minimisation initiatives.

“Our new name and brand – One Foundation – and its distinctive black, white and red logo has been designed to appeal to all our key stakeholders, including grant recipients, venues and gamers.

“With people at the heart of what we do, the Trust is proud to support eligible community organisations and weekend heroes who make a difference in their communities.”

In the last financial year, the Trust distributed nearly $12 million to grassroots community groups across New Zealand in four key sectors: arts; community and culture; education; health and welfare; and sport. It is estimated that more than half a million people have been positively impacted as a result of this support in the past financial year alone.

Mr Short says the new strategy clearly outlines and communicates the values of the Trust.

“Our core philosophy is that no one is left behind and we are specifically working alongside the Problem Gambling Foundation on this. We’re committed to ensuring a culture of care around our operation, which includes providing a responsible gambling environment.”

One Foundation chief executive, Kerry Bird says the new name represents what sets us apart, including what our gaming venues look and feel like, our commitment to harm minimisation, as well as our help services.

“One Foundation’s bold new strategy cements its place in the industry, positioning the organisation in the long-term and establishing its viability for the future.”

Mr Bird says One Foundation was the first Class 4 gaming trust in New Zealand to implement an online grants system for its users and now we’re at the stage where we’re moving on from this point.

“We’ve developed a number of other online innovations, including One Bot – a chatbot which guides applicants through the online grant application process. This enables smart and intelligent self-service for our grantees anytime, anywhere.”

Mr Bird says One Foundation is also working closely with the Department of Internal Affairs, its relevant government agency, and the Department’s ‘Choice not Chance’ resource kits to provide training and education to venue staff.

“We were the first trust in New Zealand to adopt their active sweep register, where gaming rooms are observed every 30 minutes to ascertain any signs of harmful behaviour.

“One Foundation’s new strategy and initiatives will further cement our dedication to responsible gaming and sustain us long into the future.”

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