Poker players actively participating in charitable causes

The 2012 Big One for One Drop was the first big event that linked poker with charity, and it gained a lot of attention from the mainstream media. One Drop founder and Cirque du Soleil owner Guy Laliberte was the first one to take a step in the right direction, and lots of players have been inspired to follow in his footsteps.

Laliberte's tournament had a $1 million buyin, with 11.11% of every buy-in going to the One Drop foundation, which is devoted to bringing clear water to those in need. If we combine the contributions from both the 2012 and the 2014 tournament, a total of $13 million was raised for the cause.

Rational Group is one of the companies from the online world who have decided to be charitable as well: PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker had the chance to donate to the victims of the Haiyan Typhoon that has caused huge destruction in the Philippines. However much the players donated, Rational Group matched that number, and in the end they raised more than $560,000. PokerStars is currently involved in charity aswell, players have the opportunity to exchange their Frequent Player Points to donations, by purchasing $20 donation packages that will be used to help causes like CARE  International and Cancer Research UK.

Currently one of the most wide-spread charitable movement is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Poker players are pretty active in this one, Phil Hellmuth, Antonio Esfandiari, Jeff Gross and Phil Galfond, amongst others, have completed the challenge to raise awareness to this terrible disease.  

Phil Galfond taking on the Ice Bucket Challenge during a session

On the live scene, the Charity Series of Poker (CSOP), organized by Matt Stout, is one of the great initiatives, they raised more than $14,600 in the inaugural event, where each rebuy and add-on was an additional donation. The CSOP already had it's second stop and the next event takes place in less than 2 weeks at the Borgata Poker Open, which will benefit the Habitat for Humanity and the Food Bank of South Jersey organizations.

Probably the most interesting organization is Raising for Effective Giving (REG), a company founded by German high rollers Igor Kurganov and Phillip Gruissem. REG focuses on providing information to it's members about the charitable causes that are the most effective in their endeavors, to make sure the donations actually change the problems. REG members donate 2% of their gross poker winnings in every quarter, and the organization includes players like Liv Boeree, Nick Maimone, Igor Kurganov and more. Gruissem has also stated in an interview that he feels like he can contribute the most to society by playing poker, earning money, then investing that money into charitable causes.

These initiatives show the public that poker players are not just degenerate gambling addicts, like the media and the anti-gambling forces like to portray them, but that they care about being involved in great causes and are willing to put their money where there mouth is. If this article has inspired you to take part in these great causes, check out REG's website where you can get to know their goals and charities better!