DraftKings has unveiled financial commitment to the International Center for Responsible Gaming’s fund to support research on sports wagering.
As a result, the ICRG is able to proceed with a competitive request for applications from researchers around the world who are interested in pursuing research on problem gambling.
The fund specifically focuses on responsible gaming in sports betting, with the goal of developing peer-reviewed, scientifically based research that contributes meaningfully to the understanding and application of responsible gaming in the industry.
The ICRG created the fund, which is accepting applications by researchers with a view to launching later in the year, to advance innovation and best practices for responsible sports betting
“The cornerstone of our commitment to customers is providing an enjoyable sports betting and gaming experience, and we recognize that we have a responsibility to ensure that customers are playing safely,” said Jason Robins, DraftKings’ co-founder, CEO and chairman of the board of directors.
“We are pleased to support the critical mission of the International Center for Responsible Gaming and fund important research that will drive responsible gaming innovation and customer safety forward for the entire industry.”
Researchers from top-tier academic institutions may compete for funding to discover new insights concerning public health and sports betting, with applications opening this summer and concluding in September 2021. Grant applications will be peer-reviewed prior to the ICRG independent scientific advisory board selecting the final recipient.
The selected recipient will be announced in September 2021 and receive funds for a three-year project ending in 2024, with the potential for their research to be published earlier in the three-year period. The research fund is open to US-based or international public, private, or non-profit organisations.
“We are incredibly honoured to have DraftKings’ financial support, which was instrumental in satisfying our funding needs for the fund to support research on sports wagering,” added Dr Russell Sanna, ICRG executive director.
“With the expansion of sports betting across the United States, public health research will be critical in better understanding problem gaming, and we are deeply appreciative of the support from DraftKings to fund research that is cutting-edge and can be utilised across the industry and by consumers.”
