FanDuel TV has launched a new show with responsible gambling ambassador Craig Carton, who hosts “Breakfast Ball” on Fox Sports 1. The Comeback with Craig Carton” will tackle the stigmas surrounding problem gambling through powerful conservations with those in recovery.
For the show, Carton talks to people who have experienced gambling harm. According to the launch announcement, the show’s objective is to amplify stories, break down the stigma around gambling disorders, and raise awareness of available support. Ultimately, FanDuel says the aim is to show that recovery is possible.
In the release, Carton said recovery is not easy, but he’s here to help.
As someone who has personally navigated the challenges of gambling addiction, I understand the impact it can have on your life and the lives of those you care about. The road to recovery isn’t easy, but I’ve committed myself to helping others who are facing similar struggles. My mission for this show is to inspire hope, offer support, and remind everyone that the path to regaining control starts with understanding.
Show will also touch on money management, responsible gambling
In the first episode, Carton speaks with former 11-year NBA veteran and recovered problem gambler Randy Livingston and his wife, Anita Ondine Smith.
The trio discusses Livingstone’s history with gambling, from beginning to end, and how his life has changed for the better since seeking help. Ondine Smith adds her perspective on the struggles spouses face. She shares the warning signs she saw and how their marriage is stronger than ever post-gambling.
The pair recently joined FanDuel as responsible gaming ambassadors with “Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting.” The resource hub equips parents, guardians, and coaches with tools and resources to talk about gambling risks and where to find support with youth.
FanDuel’s senior vice president of public policy and sustainability, Cory Fox, said open communication is critical to combating stigma.
Our hope for The Comeback With Craig Carton is to raise awareness of problem gambling and foster open dialogue to tackle the stigma that still exists today. Whether those conversations are amongst friends, spouses, parents or coaches, we want to educate our audience on what the warning signs are and be comfortable asking for help.
In addition to sharing gamblers’ lived experiences, The Comeback will touch on important topics like money management, self-exclusion, responsible gambling tools, and more.
Now streaming on YouTube and FanDuel Extra, new episodes will air monthly on Mondays at 10 a.m. ET.
Trusted Voices resource hub gets PGAM update
In addition to “The Comeback” launch, FanDuel is marking Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) with several initiatives.
Firstly, the company’s Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting resource hub is getting a refresh.
The update includes new resources for college students, parents, and university staff, including content from KnowYourPlay.org. The platform was co-developed by the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), EPIC Global Solutions, Kindbridge Behavioral Health (KBI), and the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC).
Additionally, FanDuel is putting paid support behind the program across media platforms to raise awareness of the risks of underage gambling.
Fox, in a separate announcement, said:
FanDuel remains steadfast in its commitment to leading the industry in responsible gaming, and we are proud to introduce industry-first content and programs designed to destigmatize problem gambling and offer education on responsible play. Our new FanDuel TV show with Craig Carton, expanded Trusted Voices program and investments in education and advocacy are part of our year-round commitment to responsible gaming, and we look forward to continuing to offer innovative products and programs to our customers.
Screening Day gets messaging boost
Further PGAM activities include amplifying messaging around Gambling Disorder Screening Day and donating money to non-profit partnerships.
The annual screening event, initially founded by the Cambridge Health Alliance’s Division on Addiction, occurred this year on March 11.
To mark the occasion, FanDuel partnered with KBI to empower customers nationwide with resources for informed decision-making. Through the effort, FanDuel provided customers with Kindbridge’s free, confidential Gambling Disorder Screener and highlighted Kindbridge’s telehealth counseling and support services.
Monetary donations support PG prevention, research
Donation-wise, FanDuel is contributing to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG).
In the first case, FanDuel is giving $150,000 to the NCPG to support its Agility Grants program, which the NFL Foundation primarily funds. The grant program funds US non-profits for problem gambling prevention in areas with little to no existing programming.
NCPG board president Susan Sheridan Tucker expressed gratitude for the contribution in the announcement.
We are grateful to FanDuel for their generous support of the Agility Grants program. As the first national grant initiative dedicated to problem gambling prevention, this funding expands our ability to support community-based programs, strengthening the reach and impact of problem gambling prevention efforts nationwide.
FanDuel’s $150,000 donation to the ICRG will help fund a Center of Excellence (COE) focused on advancing research in responsible gambling behaviors. As an organization, the ICRG helps those affected by gambling disorders and aims to prevent gambling problems through high-quality scientific research and evidence-based programming.
The COE will generate evidence-based insights contributing to industry-wide advancements in player protection, engagement strategies, and responsible gambling messaging.
Arthur Paikowsky, ICRG president, said FanDuel’s contribution will help the organization make a positive impact.
We are proud to partner with FanDuel as we work together to advance critical research that will shape the future of responsible gambling strategies. Support from FanDuel is helping fund a Center of Excellence focused on responsible gaming behaviors, and we look forward to generating evidence-based insights that make a positive impact on communities.
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