September is Responsible Gaming Education Month, and several sportsbooks and online casinos are launching new initiatives to help in the fight against problem gambling.
FanDuel, one of the country’s market leaders in online sports betting, has released a new program and resource hub: “Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting” as part of a new partnership with former NBA player and basketball coach Randy Livingston and his wife, sports agent Anita Ondine Smith.
Tools to aid in the fight against gambling addiction
The resource hub is designed to better equip parents, guardians, and coaches with the tools and information they need to educate young people in their care about gambling.
The hub provides information on gambling itself, along with data and tips on how to recognize the warning signs of gambling addiction, and other risks associated with gambling. In addition, the hub provides information on where those affected can go for support should they need it.
The fight against problem gambling is one that Livingston knows well. The NBA star played for several years while battling his own addiction, before starting the long road to recovery with the support of his wife. In the series, Livingston discusses his struggles and the resources he used to overcome problem gambling.
Trusted Voices provides a wealth of information on the risks of gambling and the signs to look out for. The intention is that family members will be able to recognise those signs more easily, and seek support as early as possible. Content includes information on modelling responsibility when betting, discussions on proxy betting and the importance of restricting gambling to those aged 21 and over only.
The content has been created in consultation with EPIC Global Solutions, the trusted global partner for gambling harm prevention.
“As legal sports betting continues to become more accessible, I knew I wanted to use my experience to help families engage in proactive and informed conversations about gambling,” said Livingston.
“It became apparent to me and Anita that FanDuel shares our goal of helping parents navigate these tough, but important conversations.”
Ondine Smith added that it's important to normalize conversations about gambling, and help families get comfortable with traditionally uncomfortable conversations.
“Randy and Anita have an incredible story and a desire to help others, and we are excited to expand our advocacy program to raise awareness of the importance of having early and informed family conversations about gambling and the associated risks,” said Alison Kutler, vice president of sustainability and responsible gaming at FanDuel.
“FanDuel aims to set and continuously raise the standard for what it means to be a responsible operator, and we look forward to Randy and Anita strengthening our RG ambassador team moving forward.”
Trusted Voices content will be available on FanDuel. The sportsbook also plans to publicize video content via its social media channels.
Mental health assessments for those who self-exclude
FanDuel is also going one step further in the program of support it offers those struggling with gambling, by expanding its relationship with Kindbridge Behavioural Health.
The new working relationship will allow FanDuel to direct those who self-exclude straight to comprehensive mental health assessments and group support services, available all over the country. Following a pilot in New Jersey and Ohio, the program is now being made available to all players in states where FanDuel currently operates.
