DraftKings has created a partnership with the National Council on Problem Gaming as part of its efforts to promote responsible betting initiatives. According to Casino.org, DraftKings said it wants to help build the council’s existing efforts. Those include the Safer Sports Betting Initiative and the Internet Responsible Gambling Standards, both designed to help operators employ best practices for online gaming activities.
DraftKings has become a platinum-level member at the council, a nonprofit advocacy group based in Washington. Other platinum members include Caesars Entertainment, the Las Vegas Sands Corp., MGM Resorts International, and The Stars Group.
Keith Whyte, the council’s executive director, said in the release that DraftKings involvement ushers in a new era in raising awareness on problem gaming, defined as the inability to stop gambling even though continuing the activity results in negative consequences. It’s not necessarily tied only to loss of money, as the addictive behavior can also lead to loss of work, deteriorating relationships, and declining physical or mental health.
The council estimates about two million adult Americans suffer from gambling addiction. As many as six million more are considered problem gamblers because they meet some of the criteria.
Tim Dent, the chief compliance officer for DraftKings, said in the release that the company wants to make sure its customers enjoy the products available in a responsible manner. Joining the NCPG will aid such efforts.
“We are proud to partner with the council to ensure our internal efforts are informed by independent experts,” Dent said.
DraftKings, which got its start as a daily fantasy sports organization, offers contests in 15 sports in eight countries. Last year, after the repeal of PASPA in the United States, the company expanded into sports betting, where it runs either an online application, brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, or both. It currently takes bets in Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. DraftKings also offers online casino gaming in New Jersey.
Last month, it received an exclusive contract to provide retail and mobile sports betting services in New Hampshire.
The DraftKings-NCPG partnership comes a day after the council unveiled a new 10-member advisory board that will be tasked with providing insights on combating problem gaming in the U.S.
That expansion has not been limited to sports betting, as several state legislatures have passed laws that permit or expand the number of casinos in their jurisdictions.
“NCPG plays a critical role in developing programs and resources that help operators, regulators, and players identify and respond to problem gambling,” said board member Kirsten Clark, who also serves as the executive director for the International Association of Gaming Advisors.
