FanDuel has reinforced its commitment to responsible gambling by appointing Keith Whyte as Responsible Gaming Strategic Advisor.
Key Takeaways
- Keith Whyte has joined FanDuel as Responsible Gaming Strategic Advisor, bringing over 30 years of industry experience.
- He will help expand initiatives such as Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting, which aims to educate adults on discussing gambling risks with young people.
- Whyte previously served as Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Whyte, who has over three decades of gamblers' harm prevention and treatment expertise, will lead the direction of programs and policy at FanDuel in such matters. He will identify new advocacy opportunities, cultivate relationships, and manage events to promote best gambling safety practices throughout the sector.
"FanDuel has consistently demonstrated industry-leading commitment to Responsible Gaming, and I’ve long admired their proactive approach. I’m thrilled to join the team and contribute my experience to further advancing FanDuel’s efforts in promoting safe and responsible play," said Whyte.
Whyte is also the founder and President of Safer Gambling Strategies LLC, and was the Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling for over 25 years. Throughout his tenure, he headed national initiatives to increase awareness and access to treatment for people suffering from gambling harm.
“At FanDuel, we are committed to elevating the industry standard for Responsible Gaming. We’re excited to welcome Keith to our Responsible Gaming team and are confident his experience and subject matter knowledge will further strengthen our leadership in this space,” said Cory Fox, FanDuel Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Sustainability.
The hiring highlights FanDuel's move to balance the growth of the business with protecting players, especially with its product offerings for new market expansion.
FanDuel highlights expansion into fantasy pick'em
FanDuel has broadened both its approach to responsible gaming and its product lineup with the release of FanDuel Picks, a peer-to-peer fantasy pick'em game modeled after parlay-style betting.
FanDuel Picks officially launched on Aug. 28 ahead of the NFL season in 17 states, including Texas, South Dakota, and Missouri, ahead of the state's legalization of sports betting in December.
The format invites participants to choose between three and six players and decide whether each will record "more" or "less" than their assigned statistical projection, such as passing yards or touchdowns. Pooled entry fees and the possibility of winning 1,000 times the initial stake yield a high-reward structure comparable to that of Same Game Parlays in established markets.
“Just in time for NFL season, we are excited to bring fans a social way to engage with the sports and athletes they love with the launch of FanDuel Picks. The more or less selection model offers a streamlined fantasy sports experience, and we look forward to offering our customers another way to interact with games this season,” said Rob Cullen, general manager of FanDuel Picks.
