DraftKings has hired former lobbyist Lori Kalani to head its responsible gaming efforts.
According to a DraftKings press release Monday, Kalani will join the company’s executive leadership team as its first Chief Responsible Gaming Officer. Kalani previously worked at Cozen O’Connor in Washington, DC, where she helped clients deal with state attorney generals and regulatory agencies, as well as gaming matters, according to her LinkedIn profile.
“I have long admired DraftKings’ impact as an entertainment and engagement platform that brings a community of gaming enthusiasts together,” Kalani said in a statement. “Joining DraftKings represents an exciting opportunity for me to bolster the efforts of the company and look for opportunities to reinforce our responsible gaming initiatives.
“I am eager to partner with colleagues, regulators, industry leaders, and community advocates to further demonstrate DraftKings’ commitment to responsible gaming and promote a healthy gaming environment for all customers.”
Responsible gaming at forefront of news
The hiring news comes a month after DraftKings and several other operators announced the formation of the Responsible Online Gaming Association.
The group committed $20 million to responsible gaming initiatives thus far and says it is developing an “independent data clearinghouse” to facilitate industry-wide consumer protection information sharing.
It also comes as Congress considers whether to take up a bill that would place severe restrictions on gambling ads, limit how frequently some Americans bet, and place guardrails on gambling companies acquiring customers with AI. Meanwhile, the NCAA continues to deal with betting scandals and is calling for a national ban on college player props.
DraftKings adds state attorney expert
Before she co-chaired the state attorneys general practice at Cozen O’Connor for nearly a decade, Kalani spent the better part of three years at Dickstein Shapiro, a law firm known for cultivating relationships with state attorneys general.
DraftKings notes her “extensive background” includes dealings in gaming, social media, telecommunications, hospitality, and healthcare. The press release also notes her experience “in consumer protection law and proven accomplishments in developing working relationships with regulators, attorneys general, and other key stakeholders.”
She will report directly to CEO Jason Robins, according to the press release.
