DraftKings announces $1.6m responsible gaming initiative

The program is open to the 35 State Problem Gambling Councils.

DraftKings has announced a multi-year financial commitment to assist the state councils across the country by providing critical funding which will support the work of local nonprofit organizations. The new initiative, The State Council Funding Program, will begin a three-year trial in January 2022.

DraftKings has offered each state council $15,000 per year for three years, a total overall commitment of $1.6m over the span of the program.

“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, Responsible Gaming.

The program may be used at the broad discretion of each council to bolster services and programs for individuals and families, and also for council staff, including applying the funds to trainings, conferences, helplines and general capacity building.

A state council may also use the funding to explore the potential for capacity building within 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 Keith Whyte, Executive Director, National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), whose membership includes the 35 state affiliate 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.”

Part of the initiative also includes working with state councils to encourage responsible gambling.

“DraftKings is committed to advancing responsible gaming in collaboration with state councils across the US,” said Thurmond. “Our hope is that this funding will give councils that extra support needed to fund priority areas, expand services, or hire additional staff; whatever is most needed, we want to help financially.”

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