DraftKings to support new RG-led US sports betting research fund
US betting heavyweight pledges financial backing to new projects to be awarded in September 2021
DraftKings has pledged to provide financial support to a new grant-based fund aimed at supporting research into responsible gambling methods in US sports betting.
The fund, which is to be administered by the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG), specifically focuses on safer gaming with the goal of developing peer-reviewed, science-based research applications for RG activity across the sector.
“The cornerstone of our commitment to customers is providing an enjoyable sports betting and gaming experience, and we recognize that we have a responsibility to ensure that customers are playing safely,” DraftKings CEO Jason Robins said.
“We are pleased to support the critical mission of the International Center for Responsible Gaming and fund important research that will drive responsible gaming innovation and customer safety forward for the entire industry.”
The Fund to Support Research on Sports Wagering, which is the first-of-its-kind in the US, will accept applications from researchers looking into three specific areas.
These include the difference between sports betting and other verticals, evaluating existing RG interventions and programs and examining the difference in prevalence and experience of problem gambling across specific demographics.
Applications from academic institutions and other groups can be submitted until September 2021, when they will be peer-reviewed prior to the ICRG’s independent Scientific Advisory Board selecting the final recipient.
The winning recipient will then be announced and will receive funding for a three-year project ending in 2024, with research set to be published either in advance of or after this period.
The research fund is open to US-based or international public, private or non-profit organisations.
ICRG executive director Dr Russell Sanna added: “With the expansion of sports betting across the US, public health research will be critical in better understanding problem gaming, and we are deeply appreciative of the support from DraftKings to fund research that is cutting-edge and can be utilized across the industry and by consumers.”