Betting company FanDuel, the official betting partner of the PGA Tour, has announced a $100,000 donation to an organization that supports military veterans and first responders.
The money was donated to Next 18, which works to improve veterans' well-being and mental health through golf, and was presented at a putting clinic during the John Deere Classic PGA tournament in Silvis, Illinois. A group of veterans and first responders from the Quad Cities region was invited to the event.
Key Takeaways
- FanDuel has announced a $100K donation to Next 18.
- Next 18 is a charity organization that supports military veterans and first responders.
- The donation was given to Next 18 during the John Deere Classic PGA tournament.
Matt McDonell, a U.S. Army veteran, founded Next 18. It provides support networks, golf camps, and life skill training, helping veterans and first responders transition back into civilian life. FanDuel's donation represents a significant contribution to their work.
“What a historic day for our organization,” said McDonell. “This is the single largest donation we’ve received which will now enable us to do so much more for the veterans and first responders who need support. We are so grateful to FanDuel for this generous contribution; it validates the hard work we’ve put in to building an organization committed to helping our nation’s heroes heal and thrive."
The donation was presented by FanDuel’s Vice President of Community Impact, Keita Young, who also said that the company was proud to support an organization that was empowering first responders and veterans through sports.
FanDuel closes Phoenix sportsbook
While FanDuel's donation to Next 18 generated some good publicity, the news out of Phoenix has been less favorable. FanDuel has decided to close its physical Phoenix sportsbook.
The retail sportsbook facility at the Footprint Center, home of the NBA franchise Phoenix Suns, will close on July 24, and will be replaced by a fan lounge, although FanDuel will continue to hold branding rights for the 7,400 foot space.
The venue was launched in 2021, on the same day that sports betting became legal in Arizona, but it hasn’t proven to be the betting hub that FanDuel had hoped to create. The growth of mobile betting in the state has led to a decline in retail revenue, and according to reports, the facility contributed just 1% of the company’s monthly Arizona betting handle.
The lounge will become a sports bar, accessible from the street and via the arena itself. The Phoenix Suns will continue to partner with FanDuel, which will provide betting and promotional content during Suns games.
FanDuel launches new online casino ad campaign
In other FanDuel news, the sports betting and casino operator has recently announced the launch of its new “Calling All Thrillionaires” campaign.
The campaign aims to distinguish itself from other online casino ads by showcasing a unique experience that casino players can enjoy at FanDuel Casino.
"At FanDuel Casino, we believe the real magic lies in the thrill of possibility," said Daniele Phillips, Vice President of Marketing at FanDuel Casino. "Our newest campaign, "Calling All Thrillionaires," celebrates the enjoyment of anticipation within our new FanDuel Jackpots experience. The campaign builds upon our key brand values to always provide our players with fun, responsible, and exciting experiences on FanDuel Casino."
