DraftKings has recommitted its support of state-level problem gambling councils with renewed funding for nationwide resources. The effort is part of several initiatives announced by the online casino and sports betting operator for Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). In addition to the funding, DraftKings is launching a national responsible play campaign and celebrating the first anniversary of My Stat Sheet.
In the PGAM-focused announcement, DraftKings’ chief responsible gaming officer, Lori Kalani, said “responsible gaming is fundamental” to the company’s operation.
At DraftKings, Responsible Gaming is fundamental to our mission, and we are committed to making tools, resources, and education available to all our players to help them play responsibly. Through initiatives like My Stat Sheet, which provides players with their personalized play data, and our new national awareness campaign, we’re reinforcing the importance of responsible play. Additionally, with the renewal of our State Council Funding Program, we’re continuing to support organizations that expand access to resources and education for players, their families, and communities.
Funding has helped improve PG support across the US
Since its launch in 2022, DraftKings’ State Council Funding Program has delivered over $2 million to National Council of Problem Gambling (NCPG) councils and affiliates. Historically, delivered monies have supported nationwide resources, educational campaigns, and training resources. In 2025, the fund will contribute over $500,000 to 34 state-level US problem gambling councils, including those in states without a DraftKings presence.
The funding program has previously backed initiatives in several states, including California, Maryland, Louisiana, and North Carolina.
In California, the California Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) updated its helpline by embedding an AI report capable of searching 15 years of data. CCPG also launched howtoexclude.org and produced a 36-minute educational RG video thanks to DraftKings’ funding.
Maryland’s Council on Problem Gambling used DraftKings’ contribution to develop 10 marketing campaign infographics and expand outreach in key service areas.
In North Carolina, the Council on Problem Gambling (NCCPG) upgraded computer systems and started a website redesign to better assist its all-volunteer support team. NCCPG also provided new literature and resource materials for individuals and families.
Meanwhile, Louisiana’s Association on Compulsive Gambling upgraded programs and facilities at its free-to-residents Center of Recovery-CORE treatment center.
Overall, states are increasing problem gambling
DraftKings’ recommitment to funding state-level assistance follows a recent increase in overall state-based problem gambling funding.
As reported in the National Association of Administrators for Disordered Gambling Services (NAADGS) 2023 budget update, overall funding for US problem gambling services jumped yearly, from $105 million to $134 million in fiscal year 2023.
Before the latest improvement, between 2006 and 2023, state spending on problem gambling services increased about 12% annually. In comparison, the boost to spending for 2023-24 was more than twice the historic average. However, despite these improvements, the disparity in state funding leaves residents in some states with few options for treatment and support.
Further, total state problem gambling allocations still fall below NAADGS’ recommended 2% of gross gaming revenues (GGR). For instance, the American Gaming Association (AGA) calculated 2024’s nationwide GGR at $71.92 billion. If 2% were the standard, state funding would have hit $1.44 billion in fiscal ’24.
Need varies according to state
Surely, DraftKings’ contributions are welcome by programs that often need more funding than is available, regardless of the level of funding. However, each state will experience the impact differently.
Considering those referenced above, NAADGS reported the most recent state-level problem gambling funding allocations as follows:
- California: $9.4 million
- Maryland: $5.1 million
- Louisiana: $3.6 million
- North Carolina: $1 million
Additionally, Massachusetts and Kentucky represent the states with the most and least funding. At the top is Massachusetts, which, per NAADGS, earmarked $30.1 million for gambling support. On the other end is Kentucky, which budgets only $100,000 for problem gambling programming.
Bonus emailed DraftKings for more details on the funding program, including confirmation of the states receiving funding and the amounts allotted to each. However, the company provided no immediate response. Assuming DraftKings plans to distribute the funds equally, each beneficiary state will likely receive close to $15,000.
For states like Massachusetts and California that fund problem gambling councils with multiple million-dollar budgets, $15,000 is likely no more than a nice bonus. But, for councils with little funding to begin with, even that small amount can make a difference. Take Kentucky, for instance. There, DraftKings’ contribution would represent an additional 15% over their existing budget.
DraftKings launches RG campaign, tool enhancements
Along with its council support, DraftKings has committed more than $10 million to present a national responsible gambling campaign to a broader audience.
The campaign, developed with branding support from the NFL and NBA, emphasizes the importance of setting limits and making informed betting choices. The spots—expected to reach millions—will begin airing ahead of the NCAA’s March Madness tournaments.
Finally, as noted above, DraftKings is celebrating the first anniversary of My Stat Sheet, a tool offering players personal insights into their gaming behavior.
According to DraftKings, in its first year, the uptake of the tool—which tracks stats similarly to screen time or fitness monitors—was widespread.
Just one year after launch, nearly half of all DraftKings players have visited My Stat Sheet, with 13 million unique total visits to date, underscoring its impact in promoting informed gaming and responsible play.
Recent tool enhancements include a refreshed look and improved breakdowns by product (sportsbook, casino, and daily fantasy). DraftKings also added new insights into deposits and withdrawals, making it easier for players to track their betting activity meaningfully.
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