FanDuel Donates $200,000 to Combat Hunger in North Carolina
FanDuel has amplified its efforts to combat North Carolina food insecurity, donating $200,000 to two state food banks. It’s part of the company’s broader effort to provide one million meals to individuals living across the state without year-round food access.
FanDuel split the donation into two relief organizations. It donated $100,000 to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and another $100,000 to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
The former has over 700 community partners across 34 counties, while the latter serves both the Carolinas through 950 local agencies.
“With hunger at a near 20-year high and drastic cuts to federal support on the horizon, this generous contribution couldn’t come at a more important time for our communities,” said Food Bank President & CEO Amy Beros. “The stakes have never been higher - and we hope FanDuel’s incredible investment will inspire fans throughout the region to get involved in the fight to end hunger.”
Next 18 donation
In addition to its ongoing charitable activities, FanDuel has also donated $100,000 to Next 18, a non-profit supporting military veterans and first responders through golf-based wellness programs. Started by US Army veteran Matt McDonell, the organization received the donation at a special veterans' and first responders' putting clinic at the PGA TOUR's John Deere Classic, Silvis, Illinois.
Next 18 offers wellness camps that combine the sport of golf with mental health treatment, peer community engagement, and life resource education. The gift from FanDuel is the nonprofit organization's largest one-time gift to date and will assist it in expanding its programming to serve more people throughout the country.
FanDuel Vice President of Community Impact Keita Young said the firm takes pride in funding initiatives that offer long-term well-being for veterans and first responders. This is part of FanDuel's broader commitment to socially conscious efforts, especially for individuals who served communities and the country.
FanDuel to Add $0.50 Charge per Bet in Illinois
FanDuel will also add a $0.50 fee to each sports bet placed in the Illinois sports betting market starting in September. The fee is in response to new transaction costs imposed by the Illinois legislature on licensed sportsbook operators beginning July 1. Residents can still take advantage of FanDuel promo codes to offset that "tax."
Under the revised fee structure, the first 20 million annual wagers placed through a sportsbook will incur a $0.25 per-bet charge. Bets beyond that volume will be charged an additional $0.50 per wager. The change follows a tax increase last year applied to Illinois sports betting apps, which introduced graduated brackets based on operator revenue levels.
FanDuel initially absorbed the impact of the 2024 tax hike without passing costs onto customers. However, the added transaction fee has prompted the operator to adjust its pricing model. FanDuel stated the surcharge reflects the higher costs of doing business under the new law and will be automatically removed if the transaction fee is repealed.
