FanDuel donates $1m to UNCF to coincide with Ohio mobile betting launch anniversary
Seven-figure pledge is the third made by Flutter Entertainment-owned operator to the minority education organization
FanDuel has announced a $1m donation the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to celebrate the first anniversary of mobile sports betting going live in Ohio.
The minority education organization’s mission is to build a “robust and nationally recognized pipeline” for under-represented students to become highly qualified college graduates.
UNCF has raised more $6bn and helped more than 50,000 students over the course of the 80 years it has existed.
The donation from FanDuel will financially support students at 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across Ohio.
Via the donation, UNCF will provide direct aid to students in a number of areas, including technology, housing, food security, tuition, and other education-related expenses.
FanDuel will also work with UNCF to recruit students from the universities to join the Flutter Entertainment-owned operator’s internship program in one of its US offices.
Christian Genetski, FanDuel president, said: “We’re always looking for ways to make a positive impact in the communities in which we operate our sportsbook.
“As we reflect on our first year of operation in Ohio, we’re proud to continue our partnership with UNCF to support the HBCU community in the state and look forward to supporting hard-working students at institutions across Ohio.”
Meanwhile, Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., executive VP and chief fundraising officer at UNCF, added: “We truly appreciate the ongoing support from FanDuel, as financial and academic support like this help make a real difference for HBCUs and their students.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership; students benefit so much from internship opportunities.”
This is the third time in as many years that FanDuel has donated to this organization after supporting UNCF’s efforts in Maryland and Virginia.
The first donation came in February 2021 when FanDuel and the Washington Commanders gave $1m to to support students at Virginia’s five HBCUs.
The second donation was in December 2022 when FanDuel pledged another $1m to support Maryland’s four HBCUs.