DraftKings Thursday announced an expanded relationship with Kindbridge Behavioral Health. DraftKings and Kindbridge will provide access to therapy and treatment for problem gaming in jurisdictions where DraftKings operates online sportsbooks and igaming products.
DraftKings and Kindbridge, a mental-health service provider, launched a pilot program to deliver personalized support for sports bettors in Colorado in September 2023.
“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 in a statement. “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 the launch last year in Colorado, DraftKings and Kindbridge established a system that links self-excluded players with numerous support options, including educational content, initial assessment calls, and initial counseling sessions.
“DraftKings’s integration of direct care into their platform, in collaboration with Kindbridge across 25 states, marks a significant step in enhancing player health,” said Kindbridge CEO Daniel Umfleet. “This effort underlines our commitment to combat problem gaming with personalized, accessible support. This collaboration sets a new industry benchmark for comprehensive care, ensuring swift and essential support is accessible to those in need.”
Starting April 1, every customer in the 25 states and Ontario, Canada, where DraftKings operates will have access to comprehensive mental health assessments, care providers, and personalized care plans via Kindbridge when they self-exclude from the DraftKings platform.
DraftKings stated that this expanded partnership enhances its 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.
