DraftKings and Kindbridge Behavioral Health (Kindbridge) today announced an expansion to their existing relationship to provide access to therapy and treatment for problem gaming in every jurisdiction where DraftKings operates in the United States.
“This collaboration sets a new industry benchmark for comprehensive care, ensuring swift and essential support is accessible to those in need,” said Kindbridge CEO Daniel Umfleet in a press release.
Beginning April 1, all customers who self-exclude within the DraftKings platform in the 25 states where DraftKings operates its online sportsbook and iGaming products and in Ontario will have access to comprehensive mental health assessments, care providers, and personalized care plans via Kindbridge.
Kindbridge is a leading mental health service provider dedicated to supporting individuals facing challenges related to problem gaming. Its partnership with DraftKings initially kicked off last September to offer resources to residents in Colorado who need help with problem gambling. As part of that deal, any players using DraftKings in Colorado who self-exclude will receive complimentary access to comprehensive mental health assessments.
“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,” commented DraftKings Chief Compliance Officer Jennifer Aguiar.
Bigger picture for DraftKings
The expanded partnership aims to provide valuable insights and data into the effectiveness of treatment resources for those who seek assistance via online gaming platforms, in addition to offering educational content, engaging in initial assessment calls, and scheduling initial counseling sessions for those who self-exclude on DraftKings.
Aguiar continued:
“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.”
This announcement comes during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which is a grassroots campaign held annually in March that seeks to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
Kindbridge also has a similar relationship with BetMGM in Colorado to offer self-excluded players on the BetMGM platform with direct access to comprehensive mental services. Announced a week before Kindbridge’s deal with DraftKings, this link-up was deemed a “first-of-its-kind partnership.”
As the legal sports betting industry continues its rapid expansion across North America, it will be interesting to see if and how other operators follow suit.
