DraftKings has provided a multi-year financial commitment to Kindbridge Research Institute (KRI) to help fund a new research initiative to study the nexus of veterans and responsible gaming.
The goal of the project is to advance research in the cross-section of veterans and responsible gaming to improve the lives of impacted veterans. Thanks to DraftKings’ contribution, KRI will launch its 50X4Vets program. The project includes a three-pronged approach to fund veteran-focused gaming treatment centers across the US.
The first leg of 50X4Vets focuses on leveraging existing treatment structures. KRI will engage those existing centers and fund them for three years to boost research capabilities.
Second, Kindbridge will provide multi-year commitments to hire staff and build infrastructure for long-term research. Each center will have funding guaranteed for three years.
Finally, the third prong of the approach is support for multiple research centers.
“Teaming up with DraftKings to launch the 50x4Vets program, which seeks to improve treatment for veterans, stands to advance the field in multiple ways, including closing the gap in comprehensive research and literature in this area,” said Nathan D.L. Smith, PhD, founding executive director, KRI.
“We are grateful for DraftKings’ financial contribution, which has made a key difference in our ability to start the multi-year research project while collaborating with inpatient treatment centers serving veterans – lending an innovative approach to incorporating in the research actual, lived experience of individuals who require intervention.
“Our hope is that this work will make a difference in the experience of veterans while building a knowledge base that will make an impact on researchers and advocates across the country.”
DraftKings’ contribution to KRI stems from the operator’s SERVES social responsibility program. SERVES stands for Service, Equity, Responsibility, Vitality, Entrepreneurship, and Sports. Responsible gaming is a core element of the program.
“Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to furthering evidence-based research in responsible gaming and DraftKings’ long-standing support for our veterans,” said Christine Thurmond, director of responsible gaming, DraftKings.
“The DraftKings SERVES global corporate social responsibility program encompasses both our responsible gaming activities and our Tech for Heroes program, which provides free high-tech skills training to veterans and military spouses, as well as 1:1 mentoring opportunities with our employees. Supporting this vitally important veterans research is something DraftKings takes pride in.”