FanDuel Donates $1 Million To Support North Carolina Students
Gambling giant, and one of our best sports betting sites, FanDuel, has made its fourth $1 million donation to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), continuing its support for under-represented students across North Carolina.
FanDuel presented the donation on Sept. 29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., home of the Carolina Panthers, to whom it is an official sports betting partner. Executives from both FanDuel and the UNCF attended the check presentation ceremony.
FanDuel's contribution will support the UNCF's Emergency Student Aid program, providing crucial funding for education-related expenses such as tuition, housing, technology, and food security. The donation will benefit students from the following historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs):
- Barber-Scotia College
- Bennett College
- Elizabeth City State University
- Fayetteville State University
- Johnson C. Smith University
- Livingstone College
- North Carolina A&T State University
- North Carolina Central University
- St. Augustine's University
- Shaw University
- Winston-Salem State University
“We are thrilled to extend our work with the UNCF to support the HBCU community across North Carolina,” commented Alison Kutler, VP of Responsible Gaming and Community Impact at FanDuel, as reported in the official press release.
“FanDuel is steadfast in its commitment to making a positive impact in the communities in which we operate our sportsbook, and we look forward to supporting hard-working students at institutions throughout the state.”
“As a steadfast supporter of UNCF and HBCU students, FanDuel is setting an exemplary standard for other private entities to emulate in making investments in deserving students who need a helping hand to fulfill their goal of completing their college education,” added Larry A. Griffith, the UNCF’s Executive VP for Programs and Student Services.
“We commend FanDuel for its ongoing commitment and support as together we will continue empowering HBCUs and their students to flourish and to remain focused on their crucial mission in higher education.”
Generosity streak
This isn’t the only recent donation made by FanDuel. In September, the company donated $1 million to Operation HOPE amid Responsible Gaming Education Month. This non-profit provides youth and adults with free financial counseling.
“At Operation HOPE, we’re proud to partner with FanDuel to help educate individuals about responsible gaming, budgeting and savings,” said John Battista, VP of Partner Success at Operation HOPE.
FanDuel made its first $1 million donation to UNCF in February 2021, followed by another $1 million in December 2022, and a third in January of this year. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion to support over 500,000 students.
North Carolina Sports Betting
Governor Roy Cooper signed North Carolina sports betting into law on June 14, 2023, following which online sportsbooks and North Carolina sports betting apps officially launched on March 11, 2024. The North Carolina State Lottery Commission prioritized licensing and regulating online wagering since it was quicker and easier. More than half a year down the line, retail sports betting still has yet to launch in the state.
North Carolina is home to eight of the best sportsbooks, including BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and, of course, FanDuel. Regulations allow up to 12 operators to launch in the future.