FanDuel TV Takes on Problem Gambling with New Show Hosted by Craig Carton

^{Radio personality Craig Carton is being made by FanDuel into the face of beating problem gambling so you can keep on betting. (Image: FanDuel / YouTube)}

FanDuel announced the debut of The Comeback with Craig Carton on Monday, a new show that will air on FanDuel TV to talk about gambling addiction and recovery. 

Hosted by long-time sports talk personality Craig Carton, the program is slated to feature discussions between Carton and others who have dealt with gambling problems in the past, as well as touching on other issues surrounding responsible gambling practices.

Show Features Conversations About Problem Gambling Impacts, Recovery

In its first episode, The Comeback featured Carton talking to Randy Livingston, an 11-year NBA veteran who talked about his experience as a former gambling addict who is now in recovery.

“FanDuel remains steadfast in its commitment to leading the industry in responsible gaming, and we are proud to introduce industry-first content and programs designed to destigmatize problem gambling and offer education on responsible play,” Cory Fox, FanDuel Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Sustainability, said in a statement. “Our new FanDuel TV show with Craig Carton, expanded Trusted Voices program and investments in education and advocacy are part of our year-round commitment to responsible gaming.”

The first episode of The Comeback with Craig Carton is also available on YouTube. In the episode, Carton speaks with both Livingston and his wife, sports agent Anita Smith, discussing how Livingston’s issues with gambling both impacted him personally as well as the effect it had on Smith’s life.

Craig Carton spent 10 years as a co-host of Boomer and Carton alongside former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason, a show that aired on New York sports talk radio channel WFAN and Fox Sports 1. That run ended in 2017, when Carton resigned from the program after being arrested for securities and wire fraud.

Carton was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, serving 12 months in jail before being released to home confinement. He was later rehired by WFAN and hosted a public service show called “Hello, My Name is Craig” to talk about gambling addiction. He currently serves as one of the hosts of the Breakfast Ball morning show on FS1 alongside Danny Parkins and Mark Schlereth. 

Carton Draws on Own Experiences to Educate Viewers

Carton, who serves as a responsible gaming ambassador for FanDuel, opened the show by saying that his own experiences with problem gambling have given him insight into the recovery process and the importance of responsible gaming.

“As someone who has personally navigated the challenges of gambling addiction, I understand the impact it can have on your life and the lives of those you care about,” Carton said. “The road to recovery is not an easy one, but I’ve committed myself to helping others who are now facing similar struggles as I did.”

The new show is one of several initiatives that FanDuel has rolled out in March, which is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Other programs announced by the online gambling giant include the expansion of its Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting program, which is aimed at college students and other young adults, as well as $150,000 in donations to both the National Council on Problem Gambling and the International Center for Responsible Gaming.