Underdog Teams Up with Birches Health, Focusing on Expanding Player Protection

Underdog, the sports prediction market and fantasy sports pioneer, has signed a new partnership with Birches Health, a leading organization that specializes in gambling disorder treatment. The partnership focuses on expanding responsible play resources and consumer protection measures available on Underdog’s website and platform. Underdog Leans on Birches Health Expertise to Leverage RG Resources Birches Health leans into evidence-based care to offer gambling-specific treatment through the International Problem Gambling & Gaming Certification Organization, which is an international gold standard for gambling and gaming counseling. Birches Health Founder & CEO Elliott Rapaport had this to add, commenting on the deal and its impact: “Access to specialized education and streamlined, insurance-covered care pathways is crucial for player engagement. We are excited to support Underdog in scaling robust consumer protections across their products.” Underdog was similarly pleased with the opportunity. The company’s Senior Manager of Responsible Gaming Operations, Frank Vaccaro, added: “This is a meaningful development in progressing how we address player well-being and protection for those utilizing our platform. By partnering with Birches Health, our players will have access to a direct line to specialized, confidential care from real clinicians if they need it.” Underdog Builds Upon Its Existing Portfolio of RG Tools Birches Health has designed responsible gaming education resources that are streamlined to provide the help that people in vulnerable positions would need, and all of this is now incorporated into the responsible play hub of the Underdog app. Underdog has vowed to further expand its commitment to responsible play. The Responsible Play hub already combines tools such as deposit and spending limits, allows players to set cooling-off periods, as well as opt for self-exclusion.