DraftKings Pledges Nearly $1.6M in Responsible Gaming Initiative

Operator commits to funding state problem gambling councils in 35 US states with $15,000 a year for three years.
Black background with the logo for DraftKings -- the casino and sportsbook operator who just pledged to donate $1.6 million to responsible gambling programs in 35 US states.
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with contributions from .
January 26, 2022

DraftKings announced plans to donate nearly $1.6 million over three years to help problem gambling councils in 35 US states.

The initiative by DraftKings, dubbed The State Council Funding Program, will provide the councils $15,000 a year, for a period of three years. In total, the initiative will bring $1,575,000 into the coffers of the state councils.

The individual state Problem Gambling Councils operate at the forefront of the nationwide responsible gambling initiative by supporting the work of local non-profits and organizations that work with individuals and families directly affected by problem gambling.

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“Having spent several years of my career working with the state council in my home state, Massachusetts, I have seen first-hand how these organizations are a tremendous resource for individuals and families and serve as a critical stakeholder and partner for gaming operators,” said Christine Thurmond, Director of Responsible Gaming at DraftKings.

The money offered by DraftKings will be distributed to the 35 state councils, to be used at their full discretion. This means it will go to help provide better services for the individuals and families at risk, as well as help the council’s staff receive better training, attend conferences, and provide a better standard of help.

The existing state councils will also be looking at possibilities of building brand new state councils to help problem gambling victims within the neighboring states where such a council does not yet exist.

“State councils provide a first line of defense for addressing the needs of people impacted by problem gambling,” said Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), whose membership includes the 35 state councils.

“While it’s well established that these organizations provide critical assistance in the community, they don’t always have the resources and funds to take treatment and prevention to the next level. This significant initiative by DraftKings shows their commitment to and knowledge of the importance of the work state councils provide.”

DraftKings at Forefront of RG

As both live and online gambling markets continue to expand in the US, problem gambling is becoming more of a concern as well, with all forms of gambling becoming more available now than ever before.

DraftKings has been one of the leaders in promoting responsible gambling since its launch, participating in a variety of programs aimed directly at fighting problem gambling and promoting safe and responsible betting.

In June 2021, DraftKings joined the American Gaming Association’s “Have a Plan, Bet Responsibly” campaign and for the first time opened the door of a retail sportsbook to such a campaign in several states.

Last July, the online casino and sportsbook operator partnered up with Cambridge Health Alliance’s Division on Addiction in an effort to develop a systems-based responsible gambling program and staff education training.

Furthermore, DraftKings also sponsored research aimed at problem gambling conducted by the International Center for Responsible Gambling, once again proving its commitment to promoting safe gambling practices.

The new financial commitment to the state councils is the tip of the iceberg in a growing effort by DraftKings to help players nationwide keep their gambling at bay and avoid problems with excessive or uncontrolled gambling.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VACPG) helpline at 1-888-532-3500

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