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FanDuel Introduces New Mental Health Collaboration and Support Efforts During Problem Gambling Awareness Month
New relationship with Kindbridge Behavioral Health is part of a series of initiatives that aim to support problem gambling prevention, treatment and recovery efforts.
FanDuel, North America’s premier online gaming company, announced a series of initiatives and financial support focused on raising awareness of the importance of responsible play during Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
FanDuel is joining forces with Kindbridge Behavioral Health (Kindbridge), a pioneering mental health service provider dedicated to supporting individuals facing challenges related to problem gambling. The first phase of the relationship will focus on a pilot program in New Jersey and Ohio that supports self-excluded players with direct access to comprehensive mental health assessments and group support services.
The pilot program will provide resources for individuals in need to schedule appointments immediately with specialized problem gambling outpatient treatment providers via telehealth services. As part of the initiative, individuals who self-exclude from the FanDuel platform in New Jersey and Ohio will now be able to receive a complimentary mental health assessment and gain access to a range of peer support and educational groups designed to underpin their recovery journey.
“Our team works year-round at FanDuel to equip and support our customers to play responsibly,” said Alison Kutler, Vice President, Sustainability and Responsible Gaming for FanDuel. “As we mark Problem Gambling Awareness Month, I’m excited to work with a growing roster of partners to expand access to problem gambling support resources.”
“We are thrilled to be working with FanDuel to offer vital mental health support for players in need,” added Daniel Umfleet, CEO of Kindbridge Behavioral Health. “This collaboration is deeply resonant, extending a compassionate hand to those navigating the complex terrain of problem gambling. At the heart of our ethos lies a fervent belief in the power of accessible mental health resources to illuminate paths toward healing and recovery.”
Reinforcing Support of Non-Profit Partnerships
As part of the company’s continued commitment to support problem gambling prevention, FanDuel will donate $150,000 to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) that will further support the NCPG’s Agility Grants program, which is funded by the NFL via the NFL Foundation. This program provides funding to non-profit organizations across the country for problem gambling prevention in areas that currently have no services or to expand existing programming.
FanDuel will also donate an additional $150,000 to the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG), an organization dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by gambling disorder and preventing the onset of gambling problems through high-quality scientific research and evidence-based educational programming. The donation will help fund research to understand gambling behavior in the U.S. and enhance the industry’s tools to identify potential harm, mitigate risk, and improve responsible gambling programs.
“Investing in prevention is key to mitigating gambling-related harm,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “We appreciate FanDuel’s support of NCPG and their proactive and collaborative approach to providing problem gambling prevention, research and treatment resources.”
“FanDuel’s support continues to play a huge role in ICRG’s research and development,” stated Arthur Paikowsky, President of ICRG. “We are honored to work with FanDuel as we commit to advocating for the importance of responsible gaming.”
Rewarding Customer Tool Usage at Retail Locations
Throughout March, FanDuel is rewarding the use of responsible gaming tools including deposit, wager and time limits in select retail locations across the country. Customers who show a staff member that they are using a tool to manage their play will be offered a FanDuel ‘Play Well’ branded gift for playing responsibly. This promotion will be available beginning in mid-March in Phoenix, Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Gaming
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)
Recent studies indicate that 10-15% of young gamers in Florida exhibit signs of gaming addiction. These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms to prevent negative impacts on children’s mental and physical health. Gaming addiction, if not dealt with, can lead to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and even health problems.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova, discusses key indicators of gaming addiction and offers practical advice for parents.
Recognizing Early Signs
“Early recognition of gaming addiction is crucial in preventing long-term negative outcomes,” Marin explains. The following signs can help parents identify if their child might be developing an addiction:
Exhaustion and Irritability
Constant tiredness and grumpiness during the day could indicate late-night gaming sessions interfering with sleep.
Gaming Obsession
If gaming dominates your child’s thoughts and conversations, and they plan their day around it while neglecting other responsibilities, it could be a sign of addiction.
Decline in Academic Performance and Lost Interests
A noticeable decline in academic performance or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may suggest your child is prioritizing gaming over more important tasks.
Emotional Volatility
Extreme emotional reactions to in-game outcomes, such as uncontrolled anger, known as ‘Gamer Rage’, or intense celebrations, could indicate an unhealthy attachment to gaming.
Physical Strain
Signs of repetitive strain injuries like ‘Gamer’s Thumb’ or ‘Nintendo Neck’ from prolonged screen time are warning signals.
Neglecting Basic Needs
If your child is neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene to keep playing, gaming has likely taken an unhealthy control over their life.
Creating a Supportive Environment
While video games can be a great source of entertainment and connection, around 70% of people with signs of gaming addiction also experience social disorders. Marin recommends a few tips for building a supportive and open environment for your child.
Teamwork and Setting Boundaries
“Parents and children should work together to create a healthy gaming environment. Gaming addiction requires a holistic approach,” Marin advises. Start by setting clear boundaries on gaming time to ensure there’s room for schoolwork, chores, and quality family time.
Revisit activities your child once loved, like football practice or exploring new hobbies together. It’s vital for your child to take breaks from screens, so create a balanced daily routine that includes homework, chores, exercise and just some gaming time. This allows your child to enjoy their games without neglecting other aspects of their life.
Open Communication
Maintain open communication. Discuss the games your child enjoys and any concerns you might have. By understanding their world, you can work together to find solutions.
Remember, you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from specialists in gaming addiction. Marin concludes, “By working as a team, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, we can help your child develop a healthy relationship with gaming and thrive in all areas of life.”
Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, has launched the all-new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app in Ontario, Canada. This latest release marks another significant milestone for the company, following the recent app update in New Jersey and a series of successful app launches in the past year, including the introduction of Bally Bet Sportsbook across multiple states and Bally Casino in Rhode Island.
The updated Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app represents a major step forward, as it combines the functionalities of the existing Bally Casino app and Bally Bet Sportsbook app into one comprehensive platform. Powered by White Hat Gaming, this new app allows players residing in or traveling to Ontario to conveniently place wagers on both sports and casino games using a single app, account, and universal wallet.
“We are thrilled to introduce the new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app, marking a significant milestone for Bally’s. This integrated platform merges the features of our previous apps, providing players in Ontario with a seamless experience for both sports and casino betting. Our commitment to enhancing the player experience remains at the forefront as we strive to personalize the enjoyment of playing Bally Bet,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Corporation.
PENN Entertainment Inc. has launched its stand-alone Hollywood Casino app in Pennsylvania. Built on PENN’s proprietary technology platform, Hollywood Casino offers more than 700 iCasino games, a variety of daily promotions, and exciting jackpots.
Available on Android, iOS and desktop, customers in the Keystone State can access Hollywood Casino through either the ESPN BET app or through the new Hollywood Casino app using their same ESPN BET login credentials, allowing for a seamless experience across PENN’s online betting and casino platforms. PENN plans to launch Hollywood Casino in additional jurisdictions in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
Hollywood Casino features a variety of online slots, table games and live dealer content, including bespoke live dealer tables and a dedicated “Casino Floor” lobby that allows users to easily find virtual versions of their favorite slot games from PENN’s retail properties. Hollywood Casino also features original titles from PENN Game Studios, PENN’s in-house casino game development studio that has produced a number of popular online games, including Legendary LarryTM and Wuji MinesTM.
“We’re excited to launch Hollywood Casino as a stand-alone app in Pennsylvania, giving our customers access to their favorite games in a dedicated, casino-first experience. With four Hollywood Casino properties in the state, the app leverages our trusted retail brand and creates a seamless connection between our online and retail gaming experiences. We look forward to bringing this enhanced Hollywood Casino experience to more iCasino markets in early 2025, pending regulatory approvals,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer at PENN Entertainment.
Hollywood Casino is also fully integrated with PENN Play, the Company’s omnichannel loyalty program that allows members to earn and redeem rewards, including PENN Cash, exclusive tier benefits and personalized services.
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