Green may be every gambler’s favorite color, but the thousands of players who’ve arrived for the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas this summer will be the first to see a “green”— as in environmentally friendly — tournament poker table.

And this year’s WSOP winner will go home with his or her very own "green" table, courtesy of an innovative New Jersey-based manufacturer called EGM Green.

EGM Green’s Tournament Poker Table, on display at this year’s WSOP, is made from 98 percent sustainable materials. Everything is 100 percent pre-consumer recycled, moisture resistant and certified to contain no added urea formaldehyde. All the wood used in the construction is approved by the Forestry Stewardship Council. The substrate and track are constructed of urea formaldehyde-free medium-density fiber board. Paints and stains are likewise formaldehyde-free. Only water-based adhesives are used in the assembly. The underlying foam is “rebonded,” which is to say it’s constructed of  bits and scraps of foam that are joined to form a density suitable for gaming tables, borrowing from a process that is also used for carpet padding. The playing felt is 100 percent wool (or it can be customized with material chosen by the casino).

EGM Green proceeds from the belief that applying sustainable design principles to its tables and other casino products can significantly reduce waste and consumption of natural resources and soften impacts on ecosystems.

That said, casinos deploying EGM’s tables won’t be sacrificing the convenience and quality to which their players are accustomed. Fifteen standard wood or custom finishes are available. Optional features include wood foot rings (FSC-certified veneer core hardwood plywood), padded arm rest rings, eco-friendly casino-grade poker supplies and a range of dealer accessories.

And because only sustainable design principals and resources are employed in the Green Table, casinos placing it on their floors actually can enhance their LEED (Energy and Environmental Design) rating under the Green Building Rating System, according to EGM.

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

The Green Table will be featured in the exhibit area of the World Series of Poker at the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, where representatives from both EGM Green and Harrah’s will talk about what their companies are doing to tread less heavily on Mother Earth.

In addition to poker tables EGM also makes eco-friendly blackjack, roulette, mini-baccarat and baccarat tables and seating for both tables games and slot machines. Luxury lounge furniture is another specialty. The company also can provide LEED project management, facilitation and commissioning, custom carbon offset calculations and implementation and a range of other consulting services.

For more information about EGM Green products and services visit www.egmgreen.com.