PokerWorks

As more corporations realize that the environment needs the attention of everyone to survive and thrive, it is refreshing to see that Harrah’s and the World Series of Poker are doing a small part to help. This year, the felt on all of the poker tables will be “green” in that it is made from 98% sustainable materials.

The tables used by the players at the 2008 World Series of Poker will be made with the sustainable materials in order to minimize waste, and they are made of 100% pre-consumer recycled content to use natural resources in manufacturing. Even the wood on the tables is Forestry Stewardship Council certified, and the paints and stains are free of formaldehyde. Made by EGM Green, a company based in New Jersey, the tables are part of a larger effort to manufacture eco-friendly gaming products and encourage their use by casinos and others in the luxury markets.

EGM Green President Eric Hansel said, “We are pleased that Harrah’s has chosen to debut the table at the WSOP. Casinos are taking up the mantle of sustainability and leading the charge is Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. EGM Green is positioned to help drive sustainable change by offering green products developed for casinos.”

Representatives from EGM Green and Harrah’s will also be hosting a booth in the exhibit area of the WSOP to discuss the venture with the public.

Long-term goals for EGM Green include convincing other casinos in the United States – and beyond – that being environmentally conscious starts with simply replacing old tables with eco-friendly ones that have all of the bells and whistles of traditional tables. In addition, the purchase of the tables can enhance the Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System for the properties using the “green” tables.