DraftKings and UFC, which have been partners since 2021, collaborated on a responsible gaming advertisement that aired on UFC 316 on June 7, 2025. The ad featured MMA commentator Jon Anik discussing the responsible gaming features at DraftKings.
Viewers can expect to see the DraftKings UFC ad once again at UFC 318 on July 19th later this summer.
The DraftKings UFC ad is part of a national awareness campaign to push for player safety, implemented by the sportsbook over the past year.
The ad highlights responsible gaming features, including “My Stat Sheet,” a feature that provides a breakdown of a player’s overall activity on the site, such as profits and losses. It’s a tool that can help players assess how well they’re doing with sports betting.
“Responsible gaming is a core part of who we are at DraftKings, and we’re always looking for impactful ways to expand awareness and education,” said DraftKings Chief Responsible Gaming Officer, Lori Kalani.
As the first operator to have a State Council Funding Program, DraftKings has positioned itself as one of the leaders in responsible gaming. DraftKings has contributed millions of dollars to help out 34 state problem gaming councils.
“UFC provides a tremendous platform to amplify that message to a broad and passionate audience. We’re proud to collaborate on this campaign to reinforce that responsible gaming is for everyone,” Kalani stated.
DraftKings also recently released another responsible gaming ad in addition to the one that aired during UFC 316. Directed by Emmy-winner and Oscar-nominated director Henry-Alex Rubin, this ad reinforced responsible play during the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament.
Set to the tune of “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers, the ad featured fans of various sports cheering on their picks. The lyrics highlight how players need to “know when to walk away” when placing their wagers, in line with the objectives of responsible gaming.
Back in March, it was reported that DraftKings invested $10 million in this responsible gaming ad campaign. The American Gaming Association (AGA) estimated that Americans legally wagered approximately $3.1 billion during March Madness, so the hope was that this ad would reach a large audience.
The plan is to continue to run responsible gaming ads during major sporting events. Other operators have followed suit in expanding their efforts to promote responsible gaming.
Recently, FanDuel unveiled a new responsible gaming tool at SBC Americas in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on May 14, 2025. The tool, known as Real-Time Check-in, is powered by machine learning to monitor deposit amounts and gaming sessions. If a user makes a deposit that is larger than usual, they are prompted to keep themselves in check.
This tool is similar to DraftKings’ “My Stat Sheet” in that it’s another way for players to keep track of their habits while engaging in sports betting. By monitoring activity, the hope is that players can effectively self-regulate their bet size, deposits, and gaming sessions.
With the increased efforts in responsible gaming through ad campaigns and newer tools, DraftKings and FanDuel have set the tone for other operators to follow suit in emphasizing player safety.
