DraftKings Inc. announced an expanded relationship with Kindbridge Behavioral Health (Kindbridge) to provide access to therapy and treatment for problem gaming in every jurisdiction where DraftKings operates its online sportsbook and iGaming products. DraftKings and Kindbridge, a pioneering mental health service provider dedicated to supporting individuals facing challenges related to problem gaming, originally joined forces in September 2023 to launch a pilot program to deliver personalized support for sports bettors in Colorado.

“We appreciate the opportunity to deepen our collaboration with Kindbridge Behavioral Health and strengthen our commitment to providing important resources to those experiencing potential indications of problem gaming. We want everyone on our platform to engage in responsible play and we are committed to educating consumers on the multitude of resources offered. For those who recognize signs of problem gaming and decide to utilize our tools to self-exclude, they now have access to therapy and treatment free of cost through Kindbridge Behavioral Health,” said DraftKings Chief Compliance Officer Jennifer Aguiar.

After a successful launch of the program in Colorado last year, DraftKings and Kindbridge have established a system that effectively links self-excluded players with numerous support options, including receiving pertinent educational content, engaging in initial assessment calls, and scheduling initial counseling sessions.

“DraftKings’ integration of direct care into their platform, in collaboration with Kindbridge across 25 states, marks a significant step in enhancing player health. This effort underlines our commitment to combat problem gaming with personalized, accessible support. This collaboration sets a new industry benchmark for comprehensive care, ensuring swift and essential support is accessible to those in need,” said Daniel Umfleet, CEO of Kindbridge.

Advertisement

Beginning April 1, every customer in the 25 states where DraftKings operates its online sportsbook and iGaming products and in Ontario, will have access to comprehensive mental health assessments, care providers, and personalized care plans via Kindbridge when they self-exclude within the DraftKings platform. This expanded partnership further enhances DraftKings’ long-standing commitment to investing in and providing access to resources that support player well-being. The joint initiative aims to not only aid individuals facing challenges, but also provide valuable insights and data into the effectiveness of treatment resources for those who seek assistance via online gaming platforms.

DraftKings Inc. announced that Jason Park, DraftKings’ Chief Financial Officer, will become the Company’s Chief Transformation Officer, effective as of May 1, 2024. In this newly created role, Mr. Park will lead initiatives to deploy cutting edge technologies to capture additional operating efficiencies as well as oversee the integration of the proposed acquisition of Jackpocket Inc. (Jackpocket). Alan Ellingson, DraftKings’ Senior Vice President, Finance and Analytics, will be elevated to Chief Financial Officer, effective as of May 1, 2024. Mr. Ellingson will continue to enhance shareholder value over time by driving the Company toward its financial objectives.

Jason Robins, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of DraftKings, said: “I have asked Jason Park to take on a new role at DraftKings to address and capture large efficiency opportunities that I expect will generate significant incremental profitability over the coming years. Jason’s unique skill set, based on his accomplishments over the last five years as our Chief Financial Officer and 11 years as a private equity Operating Partner, will allow us to further improve how we operate. In addition, I’m confident he will unlock the benefits of our proposed acquisition of Jackpocket following its closing to strengthen DraftKings’ position in U.S. online gaming. There are also potentially transformational AI applications on the horizon that could change the way businesses operate and serve their customers to create potential long-term advantages.”

Mr. Park joined DraftKings as Chief Financial Officer in June 2019 and oversaw the Company’s transition to the public markets. During his tenure as Chief Financial Officer, DraftKings’ revenue grew from $323 million in 2019 to $3,665 million in 2023. The Company also produced positive Adjusted EBITDA in the second and fourth quarters of 2023 due in part to Mr. Park’s leadership of operational efficiency programs. In addition, from the Company’s initial trading day on July 25, 2019, through March 15, 2024, the Company’s stock price increased more than 325%.

Jason Park said: “I am thrilled to take on this new role which tackles several significant opportunities to improve how we operate and taps into my passion for building great and highly efficient companies. Alan is perfectly suited to seamlessly step into the Chief Financial Officer role as an established company leader with deep credibility across the entire organization. I look forward to assisting with this transition and continuing to deliver value for our shareholders. We will provide more information on the transformation program during our next earnings call.”

Advertisement

Alan Ellingson joined DraftKings in 2020 and currently serves as the Company’s Senior Vice President, Finance and Analytics. For the past four years, Mr. Ellingson has worked closely with Mr. Park to develop a world-class finance and accounting organization, which includes building the forecasting capabilities that support the creation, tracking and ongoing refresh of the Company’s multi-year financial objectives.

Jason Robins added: “I am very excited to elevate Alan Ellingson to Chief Financial Officer and have him continue to lead the Company on the very clear path that we have laid out. Alan has been with DraftKings for more than four years, has extensive experience across our finance and analytics teams, and most importantly, deeply understands our core value drivers and focus on maximizing shareholder value.”

Alan Ellingson, incoming Chief Financial Officer, said: “We have built a world class finance organization, and I look forward to expanding my leadership role with the team. In addition, I look forward to working closely with Jason Robins to deliver outstanding financial performance and generate incredible shareholder returns.”