Wondr Nation Launches Initiative to Advance Responsible Gaming Research

In a move to promote responsible gaming, Wondr Nation, the online gaming entertainment arm of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, has announced the establishment of the Wondr Nation Responsible and Sustainable Gaming Fund. 

UConn School of Medicine Awarded $250,000 Grant

The University of Connecticut School of Medicine stands to benefit significantly from this venture, having been granted a substantial $250,000 fund over a period of two years. The grant aims to bolster critical research into responsible gaming practices that support non-problematic play. Spearheaded by Carla Rash, an esteemed associate professor of medicine at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, this research initiative will delve deep into the impact of rapid transformations in the gaming industry on the community.

Anika Howard, president & CEO of Wondr Nation, stated: “We take responsible play very seriously and are proud to work closely with UConn researchers to increase player safety, fund critical research, and invest in our communities. At Wondr Nation, our mission extends beyond entertainment, as we strive to pioneer a new era of responsible gaming.”

The fund is set to support faculty and graduate students at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, enabling them to conduct essential research aimed at uncovering effective, preventive, and responsible gaming programs. These studies will cover a wide array of topics, including self-gambling strategies, advancements in responsible gaming products, and in-depth analyses comparing traditional gaming methods with newer online options, potentially leading to innovative treatments.

Wondr Nation Partners with CCPG, Pledges $300,000 for Responsible Gambling Initiatives

Wondr Nation’s commitment to responsible gaming has also manifested through its recent partnership with the Connecticut Council on Problem Gaming (CCPG). The company has pledged an annual donation of $300,000 for the next five years to support the CCPG’s initiatives in education, prevention, and awareness programs, all aimed at reducing problem gambling.

The Wondr Nation responsible gaming initiative comes at a time when the gambling industry faces a significant hurdle as awareness of responsible gaming tools is not translating into active engagement, according to Cait DeBaun, the American Gaming Association’s VP for strategic communications. 

Despite efforts from operators and celebrities like the Manning family to promote responsible gambling, making these tools appealing and effective for players remains a challenge. Innovations like GameSense, allowing players to set limits, have been introduced, but there is a push to shift the narrative from prevention to enhancement. Normalizing responsible gambling, akin to choosing a drink at an event, is crucial, DeBaun emphasized.