While the two states are taking different approaches, both efforts focus on prevention, education, and long-term harm reduction.

Arizona Launches Public-Focused Training Program

In Arizona, the Department of Gaming has introduced a free Responsible Gaming Training initiative designed to educate residents about the risks associated with gambling. The program is structured as a three-hour, self-paced online course divided into three phases, with optional quizzes and flexible access for participants.

The training covers key topics such as the distinction between responsible play and problem gambling, the risks tied to gaming activities, and ways individuals can seek help or support others gambling-related issues. The initiative is open not only to industry professionals but also to the general public, including those who may not actively participate in gambling.

Jessica Roza, Assistant Director of Government and Community Affairs at the Arizona Department of Gaming, emphasized the broader goal of the program, stating: “Offering this responsible gaming training is about increasing knowledge, confidence, and skills that make a tremendous difference in improving the conversations and interactions we may encounter day-to-day.”

She added that the initiative is part of a wider effort to create “a safer, more sustainable gaming environment,” highlighting the importance of public awareness in addressing gambling-related harm.

The training comes in response to data indicating that gambling disorder affects approximately three to four percent of Arizonans aged 21 and older. By expanding access to educational resources, state officials hope to equip individuals with the tools needed to make informed decisions and recognize problematic behavior early.

This effort builds on other state-level actions such as Arizona’s free peer support program to help with gambling problems, signaling a growing emphasis on community-based intervention.

To further promote the initiative, the department has scheduled a live virtual webinar on April 28, 2026, where Roza will introduce the curriculum and engage with community members.

Arizona focuses on education, while New Hampshire seeks to mitigate the effects of an already expanded industry.

New Hampshire Responds to Rapid Industry Growth

In contrast to Arizona’s education-focused approach, New Hampshire is addressing gambling harm through institutional reform. The state recently launched the New Hampshire Council for Responsibility Gaming (NHCRG), a body tasked with tackling the growing challenges associated with gambling addiction.

The council’s formation follows a decade of rapid expansion in New Hampshire’s gaming sector. What began as limited charitable gaming has evolved into a broader industry that includes 13 casinos and a thriving sports betting market. Since its launch in 2019, sports betting alone has generated more than $153 million in revenue for the state, with tens of millions contributed annually.

However, officials now acknowledge that this growth has come with unintended consequences.
Former state senator and council board member Lou D’Allesandro said:

When you have gaming and an expansion of gaming at this level, you would invite problems, and the problems are addiction, you’ve got to have something in place to deal with this, and the Council for Responsible Gambling is going to create that.

State leaders have also pointed to the need for more proactive measures. Senator Tim Lang noted that policymakers are effectively trying to catch up with the pace of industry growth, admitting:

We are behind 8 ball on this topic, and we’re trying to play catch-up.

Harm Reduction Measures and Future Outlook

Alongside the council’s launch, New Hampshire has already begun implementing practical harm reduction strategies. A newly introduced statewide self-exclusion program allows individuals to ban themselves from all casinos through a single registration, replacing a previously fragmented system that required separate requests at each venue.

The council is also exploring healthcare-based interventions. Board member Jum Rafferty has proposed integrating gambling addiction screening into the routine medical intake process, signaling a shift toward treating problem gambling as a public health issue.

Rafferty underscored the urgency of the situation during the council’s launch, stating:

You know, the fact of the matter is every 17-year-old has a casino in their pocket. And in some cases, that’s unhealthy for people and they don’t know how to get out.

His remarks highlight the increasing accessibility of gambling on digital platforms, particularly among younger populations.

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The program moves away from restrictive warnings in favor of tools that position planning as a normal habit for all users.

The initiative is available across FanDuel Sportsbook, FanDuel Casino, and its racing products. It is designed to help players make informed decisions through proactive self-management rather than crisis intervention.

Leveraging Machine Learning to Provide Real-Time Feedback

The program includes four primary tools available through FanDuel’s app and website. The operator said the tools are designed to adapt to customer preferences rather than force a one-size-fits-all approach.

The My Spend dashboard tracks deposit and betting amounts across multiple timeframes: weekly, monthly, and quarterly.

To enforce boundaries, customers can use Loss Limits to cap risk amounts across their chosen periods. The system blocks wagers once customers hit the maximum thresholds they have set.

Deposit Alerts send automated notifications when customers approach their established budget limits.

The newest addition is Real-Time Check-In, which went live in 2025. It applies machine learning to spending data and provides feedback during active betting sessions.

The tool creates baseline spending patterns for each user and prompts action during moments of impulsive behavior. It delivers proactive safeguards and detailed information to support informed spending decisions across all FanDuel products.

Customers can enable, disable, or modify any tool as needed. The company said research showed players respond more positively to responsible gaming tools presented as planning resources rather than warnings.

FanDuel likened the approach to budgeting for entertainment, positioning controls as habits instead of interventions.

The initiative seeks to make planning and self-assessment routine behaviors across the user base. FanDuel wants to restore player autonomy in decision-making while emphasizing what customers can do rather than imposing restrictions.

FanDuel deploys machine learning to establish baseline spending patterns for each user.

Cory Fox, FanDuel’s SVP of Public Policy and Sustainability, explained the development process.

This refreshed platform was purposeful and reflects the research we’ve done to rethink how Responsible Gaming is communicated most effectively to consumers.

He said the firm studied resistance to safety messaging, and the findings revealed players prefer making informed choices without condescension.

Fox also indicated the modified strategy shows promise. Engagement increases when interfaces present data analysis rather than disciplinary warnings, he said.

Usage Data Shows Year-Over-Year Growth

The program arrives as FanDuel reports a 41% year-over-year increase in responsible gaming tool usage. The operator said almost half of active players used those tools in 2024, the highest participation rate in company history.

The firm has extended its responsible gaming work beyond app functionality to include educational programming and industry partnerships. Keith Whyte serves as a strategic advisor on these efforts.

FanDuel also produces content addressing gambling behavior through multiple channels.

“The Comeback” on FanDuel TV features responsible gaming ambassador Craig Carton, while “Trusted Voices” includes former NBA player Randy Livingston and his wife Anita Smith discussing addiction and recovery to reduce stigma.

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Arizona Peer Support Program: Free, Available 24/7, and Confidential

The peer support program offers guidance and assistance to those who are grappling with gambling addiction and other related problems. The program will officially roll out across Arizona in spring 2026, and services will be free, available around the clock, and completely confidential. Clients can reach out for real-time assistance online, by phone, or through in-person meetings.

Clients have options to join a one-on-one or group setting with certified specialists, who have experienced gambling problems first-hand or have successfully assisted their loved ones in recovery. These specialists are also thoroughly trained, including applicable professional certifications, to ensure they will make an immediate impact on the client’s recovery.

By keeping the services confidential and offering a common ground between clients and specialists, the program creates a supportive community built on trust and empathy. This encourages those in need to seek help without being hesitant or insecure while ensuring specialists offer guidance and support without judgment.

Darfetta Muhammad, Chief Administrative Officer at Dezerve Counseling, shared:

We believe, just as the Division does, that recovery begins with a single step forward. We are proud that Dezerve Counseling can now offer that vital next step to individuals and families navigating problem gambling.

Elise Mikkelsen, Director of the Division of Problem Gambling, added:

We are proud of our track record of offering timely and effective assistance to Arizonans, and we look forward to adding peer support and recovery services to enhance the comprehensive options available through the Division of Problem Gambling.

Clients at any stage of their problem gambling recovery, including those reaching out for the first time and those seeking additional help after seeing a clinician or a doctor, can enroll in the program. Arizonans who have questions about the peer support program and gambling problem services can text NEXTSTEP to 53342 or dial 1-800-NEXT-STEP.

Specialists with lived experience will assist clients in recovering from problem gambling.

Arizona’s Self-Exclusion Options

Besides the peer support program, the Arizona Department of Gaming provides two self-exclusion options. Players can exclude themselves from all Arizona-based casinos with casino self-exclusion tools. Another choice is to restrict themselves from Event Wagering & Fantasy Sports (EWFS) Contests with an online sports betting self-exclusion option.

The exclusion periods for Arizonans are 1, 5, or 10 years, depending on the conditions of each person. Clients can either go to a land-based casino or mail a full self-exclusion form to the state to apply for self-exclusion. 

Another way is to visit the Phoenix-based main office of the Arizona Department of Gaming. However, this process cannot be completed online via the state’s website.

Since the self-exclusion program launched, over 11,000 people have registered, and in 2025 alone, there were 557 more applications.

State and Tribal Revenues Allocated to Arizona’s Problem Gambling Programs

Arizona problem gambling programs are funded by the state and tribal revenues. In FY 2026, the state is expected to allocate $3.32 million to these support programs, including education, treatment, and prevention. 2% of tribal gaming revenue contributes to these resources, which could reach $3.64 million by the end of the year. 

These efforts result from an expansion of gambling options after sports betting, event betting, and fantasy sports were legalized in 2021. As more people pour money into gambling, the need for help also rises.

Nationwide, approximately 2.5 million adults are grappling with problem gambling. In Arizona, those aged from 18 to 34 are more prone to addiction and gambling problems, especially with online betting apps. 

Since sports betting became legal in Arizona, its Division of Problem Gambling has witnessed a 300% increase in the number of calls to the helpline 1-800-NEXT-STEP. This underscores the importance of statewide, accessible problem gambling resources.

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A Science-Based Partnership to Advance Player Protection

The collaboration introduces Gamalyze, a cognitive evaluation tool that helps players assess their decision-making habits in an engaging and data-driven way. This marks one of DraftKings’ most proactive steps toward embedding behavioral science into its player protection framework.

The integration reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to safer gambling practices while aligning with a broader industry trend that emphasizes evidence-based prevention over reactive measures.

Mindway AI’s technology has been widely adopted in several European markets, and its debut in the US through DraftKings highlights growing momentum for international best practices in responsible gaming. CEO of Mindway AI, Rasmus Kjaergaard, shared:

Integrating Gamalyze with DraftKings’ Responsible Gaming Center reflects our mutual commitment to providing customers with access to educational and personalized insights based on their own real-world engagement. Working with DraftKings signifies a proactive approach when it comes to responsible gaming and allows us to expand the reach and impact of these innovations across a broad and active customer base.

Gamalyze Turns Player Insights into Actionable Feedback

Unlike traditional responsible gaming tools that rely on self-reported questionnaires, Gamalyze engages users through a simulated card game that measures risk-taking tendencies in real time. Players draw cards that result in wins or losses, while the software monitors their choices, emotional responses, and decision consistency.

At the end of the simulation, Gamalyze provides personalized feedback, highlighting whether a player tends to chase losses, take unnecessary risks, or display patterns that could signal risky behavior. These results are presented in actionable insights, encouraging self-reflection rather than imposing restrictions.

This integration reflects DraftKings’ culture of responsible gaming, as Lori Kalani, Chief Responsible Gaming Officer, stated:

At DraftKings, promoting informed decision-making to our customers is central to how we engage with them, and we’re pleased to work with Mindway AI to continue such promotion. As more customers engage with tools like Gamalyze to better understand their personal play, we are continuing to enhance our culture of responsibility and innovation at DraftKings.

Gamalyze uses neuroscience and behavioral data to help DraftKings users reflect on their gaming patterns.

Building a Comprehensive Responsible Gaming Ecosystem

DraftKings’ Responsible Gaming Center already features a robust set of controls, including deposit and spending limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion options. It also offers a library of educational materials, covering bankroll management, betting guidelines, and risk awareness, to help users make informed choices before and during play.

By integrating Gamalyze, the company is enhancing this ecosystem with a behaviorally adaptive tool that allows users to understand their gaming psychology in a safe, game-like environment.

This move also comes as regulators and operators across North America push for more robust, transparent, and data-informed responsible gaming strategies. DraftKings not only meets these evolving expectations but sét a higher standard for integrating science-based interventions into consumer-facing platforms.

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An Amazon-like logo, an ad with an AI-generated Jeff Bezos image, and a marketing campaign with the global influencer Khaby Lame—all are deceptive under the guise of credibility.

Yes, this is a nightmare that Italian players have been suffering recently, some of whom are still running blindfolded in the jungle of bewilderment.

An Amazon Look-alike That Scams Players Blatantly

Amazon Slots is a well-executed scheme to fool players from the name itself. Is this a new slot title or a new casino run by Amazon? Players might wonder whenever the name pops up.

What’s even more misleading is its logo—an orange smile and the black-and-orange palette that has long been associated with Amazon. By stealing these reputable trademarks, Amazon Slots has successfully built trust among players at first sight.

A quick browse on the Internet reveals that the online visibility of this Amazon look-alike in Italy is immense, leaving footprints from the App Store to Facebook groups. Combined with promising claims like “€1,500 with no deposit,” “200 free spins,” and “instant bonuses,” Amazon Slots scams players blatantly, even the most discerning eyes.

Jeff Bezos & Khaby Lame: Illegal Image Use for Unethical Purpose

Amazon Slots keeps fabricating its reputation by unashamedly stealing the image of two public figures—Jeff Bezos & Khaby Lame.

On the App Store, it posted an AI-generated image of Jeff Bezos wearing a white hat with the Amazon Slots logo on it. Many Facebook groups also exploit his image to advertise this fake casino, cashing in on his reputation.

The presence of this billionaire adds a layer of authority, security, and trust. If not carefully scrutinized, many users might think that Amazon has launched a new casino and its founder is trying to promote it.

Khaby Lame is another victim of this fraudulent marketing campaign. On social media, his image appears on Amazon Slots’ ads as if he were an official brand ambassador. Khaby is not only a mega influencer in Italy, but his international impact is unarguable.

His presence is an irresistible bait that keeps users from scrolling and instead clicking on the fake casino link. How many Italian users have been lured by this bait? No one can answer.

Jeff Bezos’s image was exploited to mislead Italian casino players.

Fraudulent Marketing Campaign, Unauthorized Casino & Social Media Loopholes

This deceptive marketing campaign not only casts a gloomy sky over casino players, but it also reveals loopholes in gambling laws and the safety of social media networks.

Italy has prohibited gambling advertising since 2018, so how can this ad pop up on users’ feeds? The gaps in gambling laws have paved the way for unauthorized casinos like Amazon Slots to find their way to the public.

Not to mention, Meta is known for its strict censorship. How can a fictitious casino get around the rules? That is to say, Meta’s advertising network still leaves room for scams and fraud.

Public figures like Jeff Bezos and Khaby Lame have to pay a heavy price—their long-established reputation is damaged due to a scam in which they’re also victims.

A cloud of doubts is hanging overhead for players. Amazon Slots is just the tip of the iceberg, and only Italian authorities, legal representatives, and Meta can navigate this Pandora’s box.

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Running from November 17-23, the aim of Safer Gambling Week is to give people the knowledge and tools to help them to ensure that they are able to gamble more safely.

New research has found that over five million people in Britain would like to reduce or quit their gambling habits, with this figure including two million 18–34-year olds​.

A separate study has also revealed nearly half (47%) of bettors in the UK would only talk about a betting or gambling problem if they fell into financial issues such as racking up debt.

The studies show the extent to which betting and gambling remains a popular habit in the UK and while many are able to enjoy it without experiencing problems, others develop issues.

GambleAware’s Annual Treatment & Support Survey

Released to coincide with this year’s Safer Gambling Week event, GambleAware’s annual Treatment & Support survey is a major new piece of research into the subject.

This year’s report, which was published on November 14, found that 3.9 million people want to reduce how much they gamble despite not believing they are experiencing problem gambling.

The chief executive for GambleAware, Anna Hargrave, noted that the results from the support survey show how many people are in need of help.

She said:

Five million people want to reduce or quit their gambling, which highlights just how much our tools and services are needed, as well as those that sit within the National Gambling Support Network. However gambling is making you feel, there is help available.

Wherever you are in your journey, I want to take this opportunity to remind people that help and support continues to be available for people in need now and within the new statutory gambling harms system. For free advice, tools and support, visit gambleaware.org.

Bingo and lotteries are highly popular forms of gambling around the world

Stigma Blocks People Accessing Support

A new study of 500 UK bettors found that more than a third of respondents (34%) would rather lose money on a bet than ask for some advice from either a friend or a professional.

Nearly a quarter of those who took part in the study said that they would need to lose £100 a week before considering seeking out professional help.

Almost a fifth (18%) said that the amount that they would have to lose would be up to £500 a week before they would be ready to take the step of seeking support.

Nearly half (49%) of those who answered questions admitted that they have been playing down how much they gamble in order to protect their reputation, indicating that stigma is an issue.

Government And BGC Backs Safer Gambling Week

The Safer Gambling Week campaign has received widespread support from the industry, as well as standards body the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) and the government.

Baroness Twycross, the minister for gambling, said:

As a government, we are fully committed to reducing harmful gambling and protecting those at risk. That is why we have introduced a statutory levy aimed at providing funding to tackle this.

We welcome the contribution that Safer Gambling Week makes. It provides a good opportunity to highlight the tools and support that is available to people who may need it.

Safer Gambling Week arrives amid speculation that companies in the industry in the UK could soon be hit by higher levels of taxation, against which the BGC has regularly campaigned.

Grainne Hurst, the BGC’s chief executive, highlighted the fact that millions of people in the UK “enjoy a regular flutter”.

She added in a November 16 statement:

Last year’s campaign was a great success with over 1.5 million unique accounts using a safer gambling tool during the week.

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