FanDuel Appoints Keith Whyte as Responsible Gaming Strategic Advisor for Education Month

FanDuel is marking Responsible Gaming Education Month by adding a prominent voice in the field. The operator announced that Keith Whyte, founder of Safer Gambling Strategies LLC and long-time executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, has joined the company as a Responsible Gaming Strategic Advisor.

Whyte will offer insights on FanDuel’s responsible gaming strategy. That includes consulting and expanding the company’s “Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting” program. Trusted Voices equips adults with resources to discuss the risks and warning signs of gambling with young people.

FanDuel described the appointment as part of its effort to “exceed industry standards” for responsible play. In a press release, Cory Fox, FanDuel Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Sustainability, said:

“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.”

Industry-Wide Initiatives for Responsible Gaming in September

FanDuel’s announcement is one of several efforts launched during Responsible Gaming Education Month. That’s an initiative led by the American Gaming Association (AGA) aimed at raising awareness about problem gambling.

Now in its 27th year, the campaign’s themes include “Play Smart from the Start” and “Have a Game Plan”. The focus is on early education, consumer awareness, and training.

Several major operators and organizations have rolled out new initiatives this month:

• MGM Resorts and BetMGM expanded their GameSense program by increasing messaging inside NFL stadiums. They pledged $250,000 for responsible gaming research. The companies said more than 1,900 employees have been certified as GameSense Advisors.
• DraftKings is engaging fans with an NFL-themed sweepstakes tied to responsible gaming awareness, offering tickets as prizes.
• New York’s Responsible Play Partnership (involving the NY State Gaming Commission, OASAS, and the NY Council on Problem Gambling) has rolled out a Responsible Gambling Ambassador Training program for casino and video lottery staff. It has also launched a standardized responsible gambling webpage template for licensed operators.
• EPIC Global Solutions, in collaboration with the AGA, is conducting outreach centered on the “Play Smart from the Start” theme. It focuses on employee training and consumer education.

Problem Gambling Reports Underscore Need for September Initiatives

The increased attention to Responsible Gaming Education Month arrives against a backdrop of new research showing both progress and persistent challenges.

According to a University of Massachusetts Amherst survey, problem gambling among frequent players rose from 20.9% in 2022 to 28% by fall 2024. Respondents also reported increased harms ranging from financial distress to strained relationships.

Nationally, the picture is mixed. The National Council on Problem Gambling’s NGAGE 3.0 survey reports a 27% decline in problem gambling among US adults since the pandemic.

Yet according to a US News & World Report survey, one in four sports bettors has missed at least one bill payment due to gambling activity. The survey found that many relied on loans or payday advances to cover their losses.

Military communities appear especially vulnerable. Service members are twice as likely as civilians to develop a gambling disorder. Young male personnel have the highest risk.

Lawmakers are beginning to respond. The Senate Appropriations Committee has advanced new funding in the FY2026 Defense Appropriations Bill to expand military research and treatment for gambling addiction.