DraftKings and Kindbridge Behavioral Health Expand Program That Provides Treatment Resources for Individuals Experiencing Potential Indications of Problem Gaming

Rhea-AI Summary

DraftKings (DKNG) expands partnership with Kindbridge Behavioral Health to provide therapy and treatment for problem gaming in all 25 states of operation, emphasizing responsible play and player well-being.

Market Research Analyst

The partnership between DraftKings and Kindbridge Behavioral Health introduces a progressive approach to responsible gaming across the online gaming industry. From a market perspective, this initiative may influence consumer perception positively, leading to increased user trust and potentially driving user acquisition and retention. As responsible gaming becomes more prominent, DraftKings is positioning itself as a socially responsible operator, which could enhance its brand image and competitive edge.

Furthermore, by addressing problem gaming proactively, DraftKings may mitigate regulatory risks and adapt to potential future legislation that prioritizes consumer protection. The collaboration could serve as a model for other companies, setting new standards for corporate responsibility within the online gaming market. The data collected from this program could also lead to improved responsible gaming strategies, tailored to user behaviors and needs.

Legal Expert

The expanded relationship between DraftKings and Kindbridge aligns with a growing legal and regulatory focus on consumer protection in the online gaming sector. By proactively providing support for self-excluded players, DraftKings is not only adhering to existing regulations but also anticipating stricter compliance requirements. This preemptive strategy may reduce the likelihood of future legal challenges related to problem gaming.

Moreover, the initiative could influence legislative bodies, highlighting the potential for private sector solutions to public health concerns. As legislators observe DraftKings' voluntary measures, it may inform the development of more collaborative regulatory frameworks, potentially benefiting the entire industry.

Mental Health Professional

The collaboration offers a significant advancement in mental health support for individuals with gaming challenges. By integrating direct mental health care into DraftKings' platform, the company is addressing the often-overlooked aspect of problem gaming. This access to therapy and treatment could lead to better outcomes for affected individuals, reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.

The program's design, focusing on personalized support, is in line with current best practices in mental health care. It acknowledges the complexity of problem gaming and the need for individualized treatment plans. The data and insights gained from this initiative could inform broader mental health strategies, potentially extending benefits beyond the gaming industry to inform public health approaches to similar challenges.

All 25 states where DraftKings operates online gaming now include program benefits for self-excluded players

BOSTON and CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., March 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ: DKNG) today announced an expanded relationship with Kindbridge Behavioral Health (“Kindbridge”) to provide access to therapy and treatment for problem gaming in every jurisdiction where DraftKings operates its online sportsbook and iGaming products. DraftKings and Kindbridge, a pioneering mental health service provider dedicated to supporting individuals facing challenges related to problem gaming, originally joined forces in September 2023 to launch a pilot program to deliver personalized support for sports bettors in Colorado.

“We appreciate the opportunity to deepen our collaboration with Kindbridge Behavioral Health and strengthen our commitment to providing important resources to those experiencing potential indications of problem gaming,” said DraftKings Chief Compliance Officer Jennifer Aguiar. “We want everyone on our platform to engage in responsible play and we are committed to educating consumers on the multitude of resources offered. For those who recognize signs of problem gaming and decide to utilize our tools to self-exclude, they now have access to therapy and treatment free of cost through Kindbridge Behavioral Health.”

After a successful launch of the program in Colorado last year, DraftKings and Kindbridge have established a system that effectively links self-excluded players with numerous support options, including receiving pertinent educational content, engaging in initial assessment calls, and scheduling initial counseling sessions.

“DraftKings' integration of direct care into their platform, in collaboration with Kindbridge across 25 states, marks a significant step in enhancing player health. This effort underlines our commitment to combat problem gaming with personalized, accessible support,” stated Daniel Umfleet, CEO of Kindbridge. “This collaboration sets a new industry benchmark for comprehensive care, ensuring swift and essential support is accessible to those in need.”

Beginning April 1, every customer in the 25 states where DraftKings operates its online sportsbook and iGaming products and in Ontario, will have access to comprehensive mental health assessments, care providers, and personalized care plans via Kindbridge when they self-exclude within the DraftKings platform. This expanded partnership further enhances DraftKings’ long-standing commitment to investing in and providing access to resources that support player well-being. The joint initiative aims to not only aid individuals facing challenges, but also provide valuable insights and data into the effectiveness of treatment resources for those who seek assistance via online gaming platforms. DraftKings and Kindbridge will continue to assess and enhance the program to align with evolving industry standards and best practices.

For more information on this relationship and the services available to players, please visit DraftKings.com and Kindbridge.com.

About DraftKings
DraftKings Inc. is a digital sports entertainment and gaming company created to be the Ultimate Host and fuel the competitive spirit of sports fans with products that range across daily fantasy, regulated gaming and digital media. Headquartered in Boston and launched in 2012 by Jason Robins, Matt Kalish and Paul Liberman, DraftKings is the only U.S.-based vertically integrated sports betting operator. DraftKings’ mission is to make life more exciting by responsibly creating the world’s favorite real-money games and betting experiences. DraftKings Sportsbook is live with mobile and/or retail sports betting operations pursuant to regulations in 27 states and in Ontario, Canada. The Company operates iGaming pursuant to regulations in five states and in Ontario, Canada under its DraftKings brand and pursuant to regulations in three states under its Golden Nugget Online Gaming brand. DraftKings’ daily fantasy sports product is available in 44 states, certain Canadian provinces, and the United Kingdom. DraftKings is both an official daily fantasy and sports betting partner of the NFL, NHL, PGA TOUR, and UFC, as well as an official daily fantasy partner of NASCAR, an official sports betting partner of the NBA and an authorized gaming operator of MLB. In addition, DraftKings owns and operates both DraftKings Network and Vegas Sports Information Network (VSiN), to provide a multi-platform content ecosystem with original programming. DraftKings is committed to being a responsible steward of this new era in real-money gaming with a Company-wide focus on responsible gaming and corporate social responsibility.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this press release are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “estimates,” “projected,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” ”would,” “should,” “future,” “propose” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside DraftKings’ control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see DraftKings’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. DraftKings does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

About Kindbridge Behavioral Health
Kindbridge Behavioral Health is a pioneering mental health service provider dedicated to supporting individuals facing challenges related to problem gaming. With a mission to provide comprehensive care and accessible resources, Kindbridge is committed to helping people take control of their recovery journey.

Media Contacts
DraftKings
media@draftKings.com
@DraftKingsNews

Kindbridge Behavioral Health
Pat Eichner, GMA Consulting (on behalf of Kindbridge Behavioral Health)
PEichner@GMAConsulting.com 

What is the expanded relationship between DraftKings and Kindbridge Behavioral Health about?

The expanded relationship focuses on providing therapy and treatment for problem gaming in all 25 states where DraftKings operates online sportsbook and iGaming products.

When did DraftKings and Kindbridge initially join forces?

DraftKings and Kindbridge initially joined forces in September 2023 to launch a pilot program in Colorado.

What resources are offered to self-excluded players through the collaboration?

Self-excluded players have access to therapy, treatment, educational content, initial assessment calls, and counseling sessions free of cost through Kindbridge Behavioral Health.

When will customers in the specified states have access to mental health assessments and care providers?

Starting April 1, customers in the 25 states where DraftKings operates and in Ontario will have access to mental health assessments, care providers, and personalized care plans when they self-exclude within the DraftKings platform.

What is the goal of the joint initiative between DraftKings and Kindbridge?

The joint initiative aims to provide support for individuals facing challenges related to problem gaming and gather insights into the effectiveness of treatment resources for those seeking assistance via online gaming platforms.