As sports betting becomes increasingly legalized across the United States, it brings with it a growing responsibility for operators like DraftKings to address the potential harms that come with it. Gambling addiction, or problem gambling, has long been an issue, with millions of Americans struggling with the consequences. However, in a significant move to address these concerns, DraftKings has partnered with Kindbridge Behavioral Health to provide therapy and support to individuals grappling with gambling issues. This partnership, initially launched as a pilot program in Colorado, is now expanding to all 25 states where DraftKings operates, setting a new standard for how the sports betting industry can offer comprehensive care to its users.
A New Approach to Problem Gambling
The collaboration between DraftKings and Kindbridge Behavioral Health aims to directly integrate mental health care into the gambling platform. This is a groundbreaking approach in an industry often criticized for not doing enough to help those who experience gambling problems. As part of the partnership, DraftKings users who choose to “self-exclude” from gaming—indicating that they wish to take a temporary break from betting activities—will now have access to a range of mental health services.
When an individual self-excludes, they will be provided with immediate access to a personalized care plan, including mental health assessments, care providers, and therapy options through Kindbridge. This system is designed to help individuals recognize when they may be struggling with gambling addiction and to offer them an immediate, supportive path to recovery.
Daniel Umfleet, CEO of Kindbridge Behavioral Health, expressed the significance of the partnership in a statement, saying, “DraftKings’ integration of direct care into their platform, in collaboration with Kindbridge across 25 states, marks a significant step in enhancing player health. 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.”
What Is Kindbridge Behavioral Health?
Kindbridge Behavioral Health is a virtual care company that specializes in treating individuals with behavioral addictions, including gambling disorders. As more people engage in online gaming and sports betting, Kindbridge has positioned itself as an important provider of therapy and support for individuals dealing with these issues.
The services offered by Kindbridge include individual counseling, group therapy, and employee assistance programs, in addition to therapist education and training. This broad range of services allows Kindbridge to not only treat individuals suffering from addiction but also help to educate those in the field to recognize and address behavioral health issues. The company’s commitment to virtual care has proven essential, especially as gambling becomes more accessible through online platforms.
For individuals who are experiencing gambling problems but are unsure where to turn for help, Kindbridge provides an accessible, confidential, and effective solution. Its virtual platform allows users to connect with licensed therapists and mental health professionals who specialize in treating behavioral addictions. With the rise of online gambling, services like those provided by Kindbridge have become increasingly necessary, as they offer a critical lifeline to those who may otherwise feel isolated or ashamed of their struggles.
A Commitment to Player Health
Jennifer Aguiar, DraftKings’ Chief Compliance Officer, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in DraftKings’ continued commitment to player health. In a statement, she said, “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. 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.”
DraftKings has long recognized the responsibility it holds in the growing world of online gaming and sports betting. As more states legalize sports betting, the risk of gambling addiction rises. In response, the company has continuously updated its policies and procedures to ensure that it is offering support and care to those who may need it. The partnership with Kindbridge represents a further commitment to this cause by integrating therapy into the platform in a seamless, accessible way.
The Growing Problem of Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction, also known as gambling disorder, is a serious mental health issue that affects millions of people in the United States. According to Yale Medicine, around 1% of the population has a gambling disorder. The disorder is characterized by an inability to control gambling behavior despite negative consequences, and it can lead to significant financial, emotional, and personal harm. The problem is only becoming more prevalent as sports betting becomes legalized in more states, and as gambling platforms become more widely accessible via the internet and mobile apps.
Furthermore, individuals with behavioral health conditions are at a significantly higher risk of developing a gambling disorder. Studies have shown that people with psychiatric disorders are 17 times more likely to develop a gambling problem compared to the general population. This highlights the need for targeted support and intervention for individuals who may already be struggling with mental health challenges and are vulnerable to developing addiction-related behaviors.
With the rise of sports betting and online gambling, it is more important than ever for companies like DraftKings to take proactive steps in addressing gambling addiction. Providing resources for self-exclusion, therapy, and personalized care plans is one of the most effective ways to ensure that players who are struggling with addiction can access the help they need.
The Pilot Program: A Step Toward National Expansion
DraftKings and Kindbridge’s initial partnership in Colorado served as a pilot program to test the effectiveness of this integrated care model. The success of the pilot has paved the way for the expansion of the program to all 25 states where DraftKings operates. This rapid expansion reflects both the demand for gambling addiction treatment and the company’s commitment to providing a holistic, player-centric experience.
Self-exclusion is an important tool in the fight against problem gambling, as it allows individuals to voluntarily remove themselves from gaming platforms for a period of time. However, the act of self-exclusion alone is not always enough to help someone overcome their addiction. By providing access to therapy and mental health services at the moment of self-exclusion, DraftKings and Kindbridge are ensuring that individuals receive immediate support and are connected with the resources they need to take the first step toward recovery.
This collaboration marks an important milestone for the industry. As the sports betting landscape continues to evolve, other companies in the space may look to DraftKings’ approach as a model for how to integrate mental health care into their platforms. In a time when the stigma surrounding gambling addiction is slowly being reduced, it is essential that the gambling industry takes active steps toward supporting its players’ mental health needs.
The Future of Gambling Addiction Care
As the partnership between DraftKings and Kindbridge continues to grow, it is likely that other operators in the sports betting space will follow suit, recognizing the value of offering accessible, integrated care for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. With the rapid expansion of sports betting in the United States, it is essential that the industry adapts to the evolving needs of its customers.
By offering therapy and personalized care plans directly through the platform, DraftKings is demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to responsible gaming. Rather than waiting for users to seek help on their own, the company is proactively providing the resources necessary to prevent and treat gambling addiction. This is an essential shift in the way that gambling operators approach player health and safety.
In addition, the partnership underscores the importance of collaboration between gambling operators, mental health professionals, and behavioral health organizations. By working together, these entities can create a more comprehensive, supportive environment for individuals who are at risk for or struggling with gambling addiction.
Conclusion
As sports betting continues to grow across the United States, it is crucial that companies like DraftKings step up to the plate and take responsibility for the mental health and well-being of their players. The partnership with Kindbridge Behavioral Health represents a significant step in the right direction, providing accessible, integrated care for those experiencing gambling addiction. With the ability to access therapy, mental health assessments, and personalized care plans through self-exclusion, DraftKings users now have a direct line to the support they need.
As the industry moves forward, it is likely that more companies will follow DraftKings’ lead in offering similar services. This partnership serves as a blueprint for how gambling operators can integrate mental health care into their platforms, providing the necessary tools to help individuals recover and live healthier lives. With gambling addiction on the rise, it is more important than ever to ensure that people have access to the care and support they need—when they need it most.
