Flutter Entertainment and its subsidiaries, including FanDuel, are donating $250,000 to Americares and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation to support local wildfire relief efforts.
"FanDuel and Flutter have been proud members of the Los Angeles business community for over two decades. We are heartbroken by the devastating loss these wildfires have created in a community we call home," said Amy Howe, CEO of FanDuel. "We are committed to ensuring our employees are safe and making sure the community has the resources it needs to support the heroic efforts of our first responders."
Americares is assisting more than 70 partners across California and is prepared to address urgent health needs and help restore health services for survivors. Meanwhile, Flutter Entertainment’s help to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation will go toward vital equipment and fund critical programs to help the LAFD save lives and protect communities.
Fire hits FanDuel members
FanDuel currently has over 400 team members in the L.A. area that the fire impacted. The industry’s leading horse racing wagering and television network FanDuel TV, formerly TVG, is in Culver City. Additionally, FanDuel has key personnel in the region supporting its daily fantasy sports, online sportsbook and iGaming platform dating back to 2014.
The L.A. wildfire – also known as the Palisades Fire -- is already the most destructive in the city's history. It's spread across more than 20,000 acres, destroying the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and Malibu. At this time, the fire is less than 10% contained.
The L.A. wildfire also affected the upcoming NFL Wildcard game between the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams. Monday night’s game was relocated from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. As a result, the spread has moved further in the Vikings' favor.
Sportsbooks differ on how they're handling bets placed prior to the game’s venue change. Some books will void bets if there is a venue change, while others consider them action regardless of location.
Meanwhile, NFL teams are also contributing to relief efforts. Led by individual contributions from clubs and ownership groups from the L.A. Chargers, L.A. Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans and NFL Foundation, donors will contribute $5 million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the American Red Cross.
