The US National Council on Problem Gambling unveils new Advisory Board, adds DraftKings

The U.S. National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)­ unveiled Thursday its new Advisory Board. It provides a mechanism for leaders in the fields of problem gambling and responsible gambling who are actively engaged with NCPG to provide their innovative advice and dynamic perspectives on matters of significance to its Board of Directors and leadership.

“The problem and responsible gambling environment in the US is changing rapidly with the continued expansion of casinos, lotteries, and the addition of sports betting. NCPG faces an ever more complex ecosystem of issues to address,” said Keith Whyte, Executive Director of NCPG. “We are so thankful to and excited for the Advisory Board members to collaboratively guide NCPG in our efforts to raise awareness about problem gambling and increase resources for addressing this important issue.”

Advisory Board members are appointed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors and are composed of two groups: emeritus advisors and at-large advisors. The Advisory Board consists of approximately ten individuals who possess a particular or exceptional expertise:

• Maria-Christina Annaloro – Director of Government Relations & Social Sciences, Las Vegas Sands
• Kirsten Clark – Executive Director, International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA)
• Steve Crosby – Former NCPG Board Member*; Founding Board Chair, Massachusetts Gaming Commission
• Don Feeney – President, Northstar Alliance on Problem Gambling; Former Research Director, Minnesota State Lottery; Former NCPG Board President
• Maureen Greeley – Executive Director, Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling; Former NCPG Board President
• Martin Lycka – Director of Regulatory Affairs, GVC
• Reece Middleton – Former Executive Director, Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling; former NCPG Board Vice President
• Ray Pineault – President & General Manager, Mohegan Sun; Former NCPG Board Treasurer
• Richard Schuetz – Schuetz Inc.; Former Commissioner, California Gambling Control Commission; Former Executive Director, Bermuda Gaming Commission; Former Casino Executive
• Marlene Warner – Executive Director, Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling; Former NCPG Board President

DraftKings membership

On Friday, the NCPG welcomed DraftKings as a Platinum Member. The partnership will further the development and implementation of responsible gambling practices in legalized sports gambling as it expands across the US.

“I am thrilled that DraftKings, a leader in online gaming and sports betting, has joined NCPG,” said Whyte. “This marks a new era in our work to raise awareness about problem gambling and provide resources for responsible gambling. We are excited to work with DraftKings to utilize technology and data to increase our mutual understanding of player behavior and reduce the risks for gambling problems.”

DraftKings’ NCPG Membership supports the wide-ranging problem gambling prevention, treatment, education, and research programs, as well as innovative responsible gambling policies, provided by the National Council on Problem Gambling.

“From the moment someone registers a DraftKings account, our top priority is ensuring every user has an engaging, fun and, most importantly, a safe experience,” said Tim Dent, DraftKings Chief Compliance Officer. “We are proud to partner with a leading responsible gaming organization like the NCPG to ensure our internal efforts are informed by independent experts. DraftKings is committed to being a leader in responsible gaming efforts as we continue to expand our product into new states and more Americans have access to legal, mobile sports betting, and iGaming.”