Online gaming business Celton Manx is to refocus its community investment programme and will not be operating its Recognition awards scheme in 2021, the company’s executive director Bill Mummery has confirmed.

Earlier this year Business News reported that the Recognition scheme to help good causes in the island had topped the £1m mark.

Mr Mummery told Business News: ’While remaining a cornerstone of how we operate as a business headquartered in the Isle of Man, corporate social responsibility must always be relevant and reflect the times in which we live.

’The impact of Covid-19 has not only touched the lives of everyone in the Isle of Man but has also had a corrosive effect on the financial resources of the third sector.

’It is against this background that, in 2021, our community investment will be targeted at fewer local causes, so that we may better support those organisations working where the need is greatest, namely the vulnerable rendered all the more at risk by the impact of the pandemic.

’Our Recognition awards scheme has run for six years and benefited many of the more under-the-radar charities working hard to transform people’s lives. Over those years we have been honoured - and not a little humbled on occasions - to learn of the selfless work many under-resourced and under-funded organisations are achieving.

’As a business that takes its social commitment extremely seriously it is incumbent upon us to re-prioritise how and where we direct our support in 2021. The valuable intelligence gained through operating Recognition will inform our decisions that will be made applying our customary rigorous process which will begin in the coming months.’

The company, based on the Isle of Man Business Park, Braddan, operates two global e-gaming brands called SBOBET and SBOTOP. As reported in Business News the business has invested £500,000 in a live dealer studio, and a sustainable solar energy installation with 120 panels on the roof.

Twenty six people are being recruited for the studio, the first of its kind in the Isle of Man.

Last month we joined Mr Mummery for the global launch of the live dealer casino.

Celton Manx has also signed a huge multi-year partnership with the newly-promoted Premier League side Leeds United. The side has impressed soccer pundits with its open style of play.