In conjunction with the national month-long campaign with the same title, Governor John Bel Edwards has proclaimed March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month Play Well initiative.
And a former NBA player turned high school coach, along with a state senator, have bravely and generously shared the stories of their own problem gambling struggles.
Month at a Glance
The National Council for Problem Gambling is the organization behind the annual campaign. The theme of which this year is Awareness+Action
The goals emphasize increasing public awareness of problem gambling. They also include promoting the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services. The NCPG also wants to encourage health care providers to screen clients and patients for problem gambling.
FanDuel’s Play Well campaign
FanDuel actually donated $100,0000 to the NCPG in concert with the early March launch of its Play Well campaign.
“We’re fully committed at FanDuel to developing useful tools and programs that make a difference in responsible gaming,” according to Adam Warrington, FanDuel Group’s Vice President of Responsible Gaming.
The multimedia campaign entitled “The System” is the baby of the company’s internal creative team.
Additionally, the production company Boomshot came aboard in partnering. Moreover, American radio personality Craig Carton has stepped in as FanDuel’s Responsible Gaming Ambassador to share his own experiences to help others manage their gambling.
Fans know Carton as a sports media personality and the host of the Carton and Roberts Show and Hello My Name Is Craig, both on New York City’s WFAN. FanDuel calls him a “gifted storyteller.”
In his FanDuel role, Carton will stress Play Well’s messaging.
He’ll caution fans of gambling not to fall into the trap of chasing bets — trying to recoup your previous bet’s losses on your next wager. Additionally, he’ll remind them that gambling is meant to be just a form of entertainment.
Carton also stars in some of FanDuels responsible gaming content, including:
- A Responsible Gaming Tutorial for FanDuel Customers
- Social Media videos on responsible gaming using FanDuel tools
- A Responsible Gaming Training Module for FanDuel Employees
FanDuel’s making notable headway
The NCPG’s Executive Director, Keith Whyte, said that his organization applauds FanDuel for …
“taking meaningful steps during Problem Gambling Awareness Month and all year long to promote responsible gambling and address problem gambling nationwide.”
For example, FanDuel employs over 100 employees whose focus is responsible gaming. Furthermore, the FanDuel apps include tools to help with that, including:
- Deposit Limit
- Wager Limit
- Maximum Wager Size Limit
- Time Limit
- Time Out Self-Exclusion. Customers who self-exclude via FanDuel can receive a free Gambian subscription, which can proactively block them from access to thousands of gambling sites.
Also, FanDuel’s Play Well initiative provides experts on responsible gaming to help customers with information and other resources at their retail betting sites.
Plus, watch for FanDuel’s signature TV ad, in which a friend discovers that the “winning system” to sports betting is keeping it fun.
FanDuel began offering daily fantasy sports in Louisiana late last October. Additionally, it began operating as a mobile sportsbook with the (almost) statewide sports betting launch in time for the Super Bowl.
Former NBA player makes points about problem gambling
Former pro basketball player Randy Livingston shared his story “to be able to help someone know they are not alone.”
The current coach for the Newman High boys’ basketball team has battled his gambling addiction for over 20 years.
“I thought I was the strongest man in the world and could deal with it by myself, but that is never the case,” Coach Livingston added.
Furthermore, Senator Karen Carter Peterson also shared her fight of over 25 years against addiction.
In an interview, she stated that “There have been peaks and valleys in the recovery phase.”
Problem Gambling is a very difficult thing to overcome alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with this giant, please reach out. There are resources that are proven to help. Professionals are ready, willing, and waiting to assist.
- Louisiana Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-877-770-7867
- Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Problem Gambling
- Free Live Chat And Treatment With A Problem Gambling Specialist
