Local-Forward Philosophy Drives Parq’s Commitment to Effect Positive Change for People, Businesses and City at Large.

Downtown entertainment hub Parq Casino is embracing its corporate set of values called ‘For Vancouver’ that champions the people, businesses and organizations that call the city home and aims to ‘make Vancouver a better place’.

The ‘For Vancouver’ program affirms Parq’s city-first philosophy that sees the resort place a premium on purchasing from regional purveyors, employing local residents, nurturing relationships with neighbourhood non-profits, and donating thousands of dollars and in-kind support to key partners like St. Paul’s Foundation, the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation and YWCA Metro Vancouver.

Between prizes and funds donated and community sponsorships, Parq has provided more than half a million dollars over the past year to 20 Vancouver charities, non-profits and organizations that have positive environmental and social impacts, as well as spaces and facilities for groups to host their own fundraising events.

Parq VP of Marketing Karen Gray, who spearheaded the initiative, views it as a way to spur change by championing people, businesses and community groups that make the city a better place to live, work and play.

“Lending a hand to the folks next door is what good neighbours do,” says Gray. “To that end, ‘For Vancouver’ is more than just a set of corporate values — it’s a pledge to the community at large that Parq is proud to embrace in thought, word, and deed. We care deeply about the people who live and work here and strive to always make a positive contribution to the place we call home.”

From the produce, meat and beverages used throughout the resort to the soap in its hotel rooms, Parq strives to support the local economy through its procurement and purchasing efforts, with goods acquired directly from vendors and purveyors in neighbouring Downtown Eastside, Strathcona and Mount Pleasant areas of the city.

When it comes to hiring, Parq actively engages and consults with social development agencies such as CAN WiN, Open Door Group, Mosaic, Jobs West, YWCA and ISSofBC to help facilitate its ability to hire and support individuals with diverse backgrounds and barriers to traditional employment.

“We recognize the lasting and meaningful impact our actions have on the community, environment, and well-being of our guests and employees, and we will work together to ensure that impact is the best it can be and supports worthwhile and critical projects and initiatives throughout Vancouver,” says Gray.

Parq Casino President Jeff Craik applauds Gray’s efforts to showcase and support local and inspire change at a grassroots level via the ‘For Vancouver’ initiative.

“Under Karen’s leadership, we’ve been able to help create employment opportunities for marginalized groups, build partnerships with local non-profits and charities, and support numerous cultural and sports events,” says Parq Casino President Jeff Craik. “Her efforts have strengthened the social fabric of BC, brought people together and helped us earn recognition as the #1 casino in North America when it comes to promoting a culture of responsible gambling. Her dedication to fostering opportunity, inclusion and social responsibility showcases her unique ability to drive meaningful and lasting change in the local community and beyond.”

For more information on Parq’s ongoing commitment to the community at large and its ‘For Vancouver’ initiative, visit parqcasino.com/community

In addition to offering world-class casino gaming, Parq Casino is home to two luxury hotel properties — JW Marriott and the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection — as well as The Spa by JW and numerous restaurants and amenities like the Johnnie Walker Lounge, The Victor, Honey Salt, 24/7 Eats, D/6 Bar & Lounge, and BC Kitchen.

For more information about Parq Casino, please visit parqcasino.com.

The F1 Sim Racing championship is back in the Stockholm arena (Sweden) for Event 2 of 2025. After the opening four races in January, the Scuderia Ferrari HP Esports Team drivers are confident and ready to score points to be front runners during the second part of the season.

A complicated start – After memorably winning the constructors’ world championship in the 2023/2024 season, Bari Broumand and Nicolas Longuet struggled to repeat that form in the opening event of the year, even if the former secured a stunning win at the Bahrain circuit. Apart from that, there were complications in either qualifying or the race in Australia, China and Saudi Arabia which means the team is currently fifth in the constructors’ standings, 50 points off the leader. It’s a big gap but not an insurmountable one, with eight races remaining.

The calendar – Event 2 takes place from 11 to 13 February and features races on the classic European tracks of Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and Zandvoort, as well as the United States GP in Austin. It’s an important step on the way to the final, which runs from 25 to 27 March, with the Grands Prix in Mexico, Brazil, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Grace Media, the leading provider of white-label online gaming solutions, has strengthened its senior leadership team with two new hires and two promotions.

James Goodliffe joins as Head of Sportsbook, a role to which he’ll bring more than 25 years of experience at some of the biggest names in the industry, including Ladbrokes, Gamesys and LiveScore Group.

Also joining the Grace Media team is Frazer McNaughton, as Head of Compliance, having previously held safer gambling roles at companies including William Hill and Midnite.

Grace Media has also promoted two existing staffers to senior positions. Chris Prentice assumes the new role of Head of Revenue & Commercial Partnerships, where he’ll be tasked with expanding the company’s portfolio of partners.

And Gary Barber becomes Grace Media’s new Marketing & Operations Director, expanding his remit to include a focus on ROI within the marketing spend.

Grace Media CEO Warren Jacobs said: “It is exciting to see the Grace Media team growing, and these appointments reflect our commitment to delivering the very best to our partners. James and Frazer add significant experience and know-how, while Chris and Gary are now even better positioned to drive the business forward. With such a strong team in place, it’s set to be a landmark year for Grace Media.”

Grace Media helps some of the biggest gaming brands in the world into the UK market via white-label agreements, as well as providing support across CRM, compliance, payments and fraud protection and more.

Last year, the company partnered with Rollbit for the fast-growing operator’s UK debut.