DraftKings appoints its first chief responsible gaming officer
Lori Kalani installed in newly created role as Boston-headquartered operator looks to bolster its RG strategy
DraftKings has announced the appointment of Lori Kalani as the company’s first-ever chief responsible gaming officer.
Kalani, whose career background spans industries including gaming, social media, telecoms, hospitality, and healthcare, joins the operator after a nine-year stint as a shareholder and co-chair of the Cozen O’Connor State Attorneys General Practice Group.
Before her time with Cozen O’Connor, Kalani spent just over two-and-a-half years with Dickstein Shapiro, where she was a partner. She also served as senior counsel at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe between January 2010 and September 2012.
Kalani will work alongside the New York-listed operator’s compliance team and report directly to CEO and co-founder Jason Robins.
DraftKings stated that this new position will be “committed to the continued elevation and integration of the company’s player safety and protection activities and initiatives across all of its platforms and player communities.”
The operator says its system-based approach to responsible gaming utilizes technology, staff training, and evidence-based research to promote responsible play. The operator also works with third parties and advocacy groups to help educate players on responsible play.
On Kalani’s appointment, Robins commented: “Responsible gaming is one of our top priorities, and it is a core part of our mission to build games that our customers can enjoy responsibly.
“In this leadership role, Lori will further advance our responsible gaming initiatives and uphold our commitment to setting new industry standards.”
Speaking on her move into the gambling sector, Kalani commented: “I have long admired DraftKings’ impact as an entertainment and engagement platform that brings a community of gaming enthusiasts together.
“Joining DraftKings represents an exciting opportunity for me to bolster the efforts of the company and look for opportunities to reinforce our responsible gaming initiatives. I am eager to partner with colleagues, regulators, industry leaders, and community advocates to further demonstrate DraftKings’ commitment to responsible gaming and promote a healthy gaming environment for all customers.”
The hire comes a month after DraftKings became a founding member of the Responsible Online Gaming Association, alongside other US betting heavyweights including FanDuel and BetMGM.
In total, the new association has seven founding members and represents more than 85% of the legalized sports betting and igaming market in the US.
These operators have pledged more than $20m in support of the body’s mission in the first year.
In addition, DraftKings recently bolstered its problem gambling support via a new expanded partnership with Kindbridge Behavioral Health.
The partnership aims to provide access to therapy and treatment for problem gambling in every jurisdiction where DraftKings operates its online sportsbook.
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.