DK Responsible Gaming Office Hires Lori Kalani
DraftKings Hire Has Extensive Consumer Protection Law
As the potential for more governmental oversight looms over the sports betting industry, DraftKings is taking the initiative. The DK Responsible Gaming Office announced the hiring of Lori Kalani. She will be the first Responsible Gaming Officer in company history. Kalani will report directly to DraftKings CEO Jason Robins.
“Responsible gaming is one of our top priorities and it is a core part of our mission to build games that our customers can enjoy responsibly,” Robins said in a statement. “In this leadership role, Lori will further advance our responsible gaming initiatives and uphold our commitment to setting new industry standards.”
Kalani comes to DraftKings from the Cozen O’Connor law firm, where DraftKings has been a client for the past nine years. The law firm believes she’s the perfect person to lead the DK Responsible Gaming Office.
DraftKings had plenty of praise for Kalani when it announced the news. The company stated, “Kalani’s nuanced understanding of regulatory environments and her expertise in representing clients in industry-shaping challenges that intersected law, politics, and policy make her the ideal leader to advance DraftKings’ responsible gaming initiatives.”
The move makes sense for DraftKings, who likely want to see other gambling sites follow suit. The best way to prevent additional government interference is to get out in front of the matter. Responsible gaming appears to be what legislators are focused on. By showing the effort is there, the gaming industry is showing it’s something they can manage on their own. If it works, however, is a different story. Some politicians are never happy unless they can interject themselves into things.
Kalani Saying the Right Things
For her part, Kalani is saying the things government officials want to hear. She has plenty of experience in working with attorney generals throughout the country. Those relationships could prove valuable down the road.
“I have long admired DraftKings’ impact as an entertainment and engagement platform that brings a community of gaming enthusiasts together,” Kalani said. “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.”
Kalani will work alongside the DraftKings Compliance team. DraftKings wants to use comprehensive player education to promote responsible play across all its platforms. That includes both sports betting apps and casino-style gaming. DK says its goal is to “provide players with tools to help them manage their play responsibly.”
AGs With Plenty of Praise For Kalani
When the news of the DK Responsible Gaming Office was announced, AGs spoke highly of Kalani.
“Lori has been a powerful and trusted voice in representing clients in AG investigations and litigation,” said Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. “A true problem solver, Lori has crafted creative, meaningful, and successful solutions to a myriad of complex issues and disputes. Aside from her professional excellence, Lori has drawn upon her personal history to change the lives of others in profound ways.”
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser posted on LinkedIn: “Congrats to Lori E. Kalani on a great new opportunity. Your impact at Cozen O’Connor was huge and I know that your colleagues will miss you dearly. DraftKings is getting a first-round pick – a very effective lawyer, a proven leader, and a high-quality human.”
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