DraftKings in $1.575m responsible gambling initiative

DraftKings has unveiled a new initiative aimed at supporting responsible gaming efforts at a statewide level, with the online operator committing $1.575m in aid to state councils throughout the country over a three-year period.

Entitled ‘The State Council Funding Program,’ the effort will see DraftKings offer each state council $15,000 per year to support and enhance existing problem gaming infrastructures, including the work of local non-profit organizations.

“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 DraftKings director of responsible gaming Christine Thurmond.

The goal of the initiative is to provide state councils with the additional support needed to bolster areas of need, expand services and facilitate staff training.

The councils will have the ability to allocate the funding at their discretion, which could include using it to support neighboring states without a council presence.

“State councils provide a first line of defense for addressing the needs of people impacted by problem gambling,” said executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling Keith Whyte.

“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.”

The State Council Funding Program represents the latest effort on the part of DraftKings to support and promote responsible gaming.

The gaming and entertainment giant previously partnered with the Cambridge Health Alliance to develop employee-training programs while committing to the American Gaming Association’s ‘Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly’ campaign, among other internal initiatives.