Gambling in the USA
DraftKings and Kindbridge Research Institute Advance Veterans-Focused Responsible Gaming Research
DraftKings Inc. announced a multi-year financial commitment to Kindbridge Research Institute (KRI) for a new research program to study the nexus of veterans and responsible gaming, with the ultimate goal of advancing evidence-based research in this area and improving the lives of impacted veterans. DraftKings is the only U.S.-based operator contributing to this project and, as a result of DraftKings’ contribution, KRI will be able to launch the 50x4Vets program, which relies on a three-pronged approach and will include funding research at veterans-focused gaming treatment centers across the country. This initiative is designed to provide a solution to the lack of information about problem gaming among veterans.
“Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to furthering evidence-based research in responsible gaming and DraftKings’ long-standing support for our veterans,” said Christine Thurmond, Director of Responsible Gaming, DraftKings. “The DraftKings S.E.R.V.E.S. global corporate social responsibility program encompasses both our responsible gaming activities and our Tech for Heroes program, which provides free high-tech skills training to veterans and military spouses, as well as 1:1 mentoring opportunities with our employees. Supporting this vitally important veterans research is something DraftKings takes pride in.”
“Teaming up with DraftKings to launch the 50x4Vets program, which seeks to improve treatment for veterans, stands to advance the field in multiple ways, including closing the gap in comprehensive research and literature in this area,” said Nathan D.L. Smith, PhD, Founding Executive Director, KRI. “We are grateful for DraftKings’ financial contribution, which has made a key difference in our ability to start the multi-year research project while collaborating with inpatient treatment centers serving veterans – lending an innovative approach to incorporating in the research actual, lived experience of individuals who require intervention. Our hope is that this work will make a difference in the experience of veterans while building a knowledge base that will make an impact on researchers and advocates across the country.”
The 50x4Vets program seeks to provide a permanent, long-term solution to the lack of research on problem gaming among veterans, with a three-pronged approach:
- Leverage Existing Treatment Infrastructure: In the U.S., there are only a few veterans-focused clinics that specialize in gambling disorder. KRI has planned partnerships with researchers and clinicians to create multiple research centers that leverage this existing infrastructure. The research centers will each receive funding for three years to boost research capabilities while ensuring the highest quality staff and care for patients. Treatment will also be made available to veterans who are unable to seek in-person treatment through KRI’s partnership with Kindbridge Inc., a telehealth company with the largest network of therapists trained to address gambling and gaming disorders in the US.
- Provide Multi-Year Commitments: To hire staff and build infrastructure that will produce high quality research in the long term, a multi-year commitment is needed. Each center will be guaranteed funding for a minimum of three years to ensure qualified staff can be recruited, trained, and retained.
- Support Multiple Research Centers: The landscape of treatment for gambling disorder in veterans is diverse. By funding multiple research centers, the researchers can create and test treatment modalities in different settings and share knowledge about what works between the centers. This collaboration will exponentially increase the speed, quality, and utility of the research being done.
A leader in digital sports entertainment and gaming, DraftKings is committed to creating inclusive and responsible pathways for people to build, create, imagine, and innovate through the DraftKings S.E.R.V.E.S. program, standing for Service, Equity, Responsibility, Vitality, Entrepreneurship and Sports.
- Service is a key pillar of the program, encompassing the company’s commitment to those who have served in the military. DraftKings provides training in high demand tech skills for current and returning veterans, and their spouses, to help them expand their abilities in their current role or to find meaningful employment, or explore careers in tech, through its Tech for Heroes Program. Since its launch in 2018, DraftKings has hosted 21 Tech for Heroes training classes across six cities and online, with over 500 veterans or military spouses trained, and nearly one $1M raised through the support of its customers who participate in charity DFS contests throughout the year. Additionally, its training program is complemented by a 1:1 career mentoring program for DraftKings employees and the veteran community, in collaboration with American Corporate Partners.
- Responsible gaming is also an important part of the S.E.R.V.E.S. program and DraftKings’ responsible gaming focus is to protect consumers with groundbreaking technology, effective staff training, education and resources for customers, and through the support of evidence-based research, including with world-class organizations like KRI, the International Center for Responsible Gaming, and the Harvard Medical School affiliated Cambridge Health Alliance.
To learn more about DraftKings’ commitment to responsible gaming and to advancing social innovation around the world, please visit DraftKings S.E.R.V.E.S. To learn more about KRI, please visit kindbridgeinstitute.org.
Gambling in the USA
BMM INNOVATION GROUP SHOWCASES ITS SUPPORT FOR TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY AT INDIAN GAMING CONFERENCE & EXPO MARCH 31 – APRIL 3 AT SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER
Company to sponsor, attend, and speak at the San Diego, California show.
BMM Innovation Group (“BMM,” “BIG Group,” or “BIG”), a technology conglomerate focused on product compliance testing, cybersecurity solutions, and virtual training for the global gaming industry, today announced its sponsorship and participation in the Indian Gaming Association’s (“IGA”) annual IGA Conference & Expo, March 31-April 3 at the San Diego Convention Center.
With over three decades of experience supporting Tribal gaming, BIG will be on-site as sponsors, speakers, and attendees to reinforce the Company’s steadfast commitment to Tribal sovereignty and self-regulation.
Proud Partners in Tribal Progress
The BIG Group’s Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Martin Storm said, “BMM proudly partners with Tribal governments, Tribal casinos, and Tribal gaming equipment and technology suppliers to advance Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and economic development. We are honored to continue supporting the growth and integrity of Tribal gaming through our trusted product compliance services, world-class training and virtual education, and our cybersecurity solutions to protect Tribal enterprises.”
BMM’s long-standing relationships with Tribal gaming suppliers and regulators are at the heart of its mission. As active members of IGA and other key Tribal organizations, BIG is committed to elevating Tribal voices and ensuring Tribal interests remain at the forefront of industry growth.
BIG Group Shares Thought Leadership on Conference Panels and Trainings
- In addition to sponsoring and attending, the BIG Group’s expert thought leaders will speak and provide in-person training at the conference:
- Tuesday, April 1 at 9 am: Innovation vs. Regulation: Keep Pace with Emerging Gaming Technologies – Sean Mason, Senior Director of Tribal Services
- Tuesday, April 1 at 4 pm: Gaming and Cyber Risk Best Practices – Mitigate Risk and Sleep Better at Night – Heather Lee, Senior Director of Sales for BIG Cyber
- Wednesday, April 2 at 9 am: Level III Commissioner Certification Training – Peter Nikiper, Director of Technical Compliance
Unmatched Expertise in Product Compliance and Certification
As a trusted testing laboratory for Tribal gaming jurisdictions across North America, BMM’s focus is fairness, integrity, and security in every gaming environment. IGA attendees are invited to connect with BMM experts to learn more about the Company’s comprehensive product compliance programs.
Education & Training for Long-Term Success
BIG continues to empower Tribal gaming employees through exclusive education and training programs, including free access to RG24seven Virtual Training. These knowledge-sharing initiatives are designed to support responsible gaming, regulatory compliance, and the long-term sustainability of Tribal gaming operations.
Cybersecurity Solutions Tailored for Tribal Gaming
The BIG Group is focused on bolstering cybersecurity defenses for Tribal enterprises through its BIG Cyber services, which includes penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, PCI:DSS evaluations, and a host of managed security services featuring CYREBRO’s Security Operations Center, KnowBe4’s security awareness training, and Maxxsure’s risk management platform.
Gambling in the USA
Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies Break Ground on New Live! Casino & Hotel in Petersburg, Virginia
Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies celebrated the groundbreaking of the new LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL VIRGINIA in Petersburg. The milestone officially commences construction on a transformative project that will generate billions of dollars in economic benefits and spinoff development, create thousands of new jobs, and set a new standard for gaming, hotels, and entertainment in the Commonwealth. Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is part of a larger $1.4 billion master plan by the partnership, scheduled to be developed in phases, that will bring a world-class mixed-use resort destination to Petersburg.
Executives from Bruce Smith Enterprise, The Cordish Companies, and Cordish Gaming were joined by Petersburg City Mayor Sam Parham and members of Petersburg City Council, Virginia State Senator Lashrecse Aird, Virginia State Delegate Kim Taylor, and many other business and community leaders at the project site in Petersburg. The development site, ideally located on Brasfield Parkway at the intersection of Wagner Road and Interstate I-95 just 20 miles south of Richmond, will provide easy access on and off the East Coast’s major north-south interstate.
“It has been a source of immense satisfaction and pride to partner in this incredible development. For far too long people have simply driven by the City of Petersburg, but today marks the beginning of a new era in which Petersburg will become a prime destination. This pivotal project will ignite tourism, create jobs, and ultimately deliver on the promise of greater opportunity and upward mobility for local families. As a champion of Petersburg and its residents, I am happily confident that this historic development will uplift, empower, and enrich this community for years to come,” said Bruce Smith, founder of Bruce Smith Enterprise.
Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is slated to open in 2027. A temporary gaming facility will open by the end of 2025 to immediately begin creating an estimated 500 new jobs, vendor opportunities and economic benefits for the City. In its first 10 years, the project is expected to generate $2.8 billion in economic stimulus to the region; $504 million in tax revenues including $240 million to the City of Petersburg; $802 million in economic benefits during construction; $201 million in annual economic benefits each year after opening; and 7500 new jobs including 6100 during construction and 1400 new permanent jobs.
“Today marks a monumental day for The Cordish Companies as we expand our Live! brand into the Central Virginia region with the development of Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia. Our company is a national leader in successfully developing and managing large-scale urban revitalization projects across the country. Live! Casino & Hotel will be a transformative development that will bring a world-class gaming and entertainment experience to millions of visitors, create significant new jobs, and generate millions of dollars in economic benefits for the community that will provide a beneficial impact for generations. We look forward to making an immediate impact on the region with the construction of a temporary gaming facility that will be operational before the end of 2025, so that we can begin creating jobs, vendor opportunities and economic benefits for the City,” said Zed Smith, Chief Operating Officer for The Cordish Companies.
PENN Entertainment announced that its stand-alone Hollywood Casino app has launched in New Jersey. The new Hollywood Casino platform is available on Android, iOS, and desktop and can also be accessed via the ESPN BET app. Customers can login to Hollywood Casino using their ESPN BET credentials, allowing for a seamless experience across PENN’s online betting and casino platforms.
Ranked by Eilers & Krejcik as the #2 overall iCasino product in the US, Hollywood Casino offers a variety of online slots, table games, and live dealer content, including original titles from PENN Game Studios, the company’s in-house casino game development studio. Hollywood Casino also includes bespoke live dealer tables and exclusive games such as the recently launched Devils Blackjack, an original title leveraging PENN’s partnership with the New Jersey Devils.
“We’re thrilled to introduce our dedicated, casino-first experience to customers across New Jersey. Hollywood Casino delivers a best-in-class experience with an extensive game library, seamless gameplay, and exclusive content from our in-house studio. This launch builds on the strong momentum we’ve gained since introducing our enhanced standalone app in December,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer of PENN Entertainment.
The stand-alone Hollywood Casino platform debuted in Pennsylvania last December and is also available in Michigan.
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