NOVEMBER 21, 2022: To celebrate Dreamhack Atlanta, the world’s premier gaming lifestyle festival, Entain Foundation U.S. has launched a new esports mental wellness campaign in partnership with INTENTA. Launching in November 2022, the #MindYourGame campaign will use esports as a conduit to engage participants in building a healthy relationship with gaming so they prioritize their mental health and well-being. It will reach students, parents, educators, and professionals at 450+ high schools and esports clubs in California, New York, Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio, and 35 other states throughout the U.S.

The #MindYourGame campaign will raise awareness about the benefits and opportunities of gaming and esports, including enhanced problem-solving, improved memory, greater engagement in STEM subjects, and a myriad of career opportunities. The program will share safe play strategies to protect and improve students’ mental health and provide support pathways for anyone struggling with problematic gaming.

The #MindYourGame campaign will deliver an esports educational series – Gaming World – via video, as multimedia digital content is the preferred platform for students. The course also comprises tools and worksheets on reflective thinking to facilitate mindfulness. The syllabus includes how gaming affects the brain, the risks of in-game overspending, and the importance of balance in esports.

“We are committed to supporting initiatives that encourage responsible gambling and gaming,” said Martin Lycka, Trustee of Entain Foundation U.S. and SVP for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling for Entain. “That’s why we’ve partnered with INTENTA on the #MindYourGame campaign. Encouraging our players to actively manage their mental health is exactly the type of project we are proud to support.”

“Many schools that will benefit from the #MindYourGame campaign are in low-income areas. Their students would not normally have access to these tools and insights or receive this level of support to reach their potential through gaming and esports,” said Bubba Gaeddert, Executive Director at Varsity Esports Federation.

“Esports provides a platform to engage and educate all players – including those who are neurodiverse – on important topics such as their mental health, and leverage gaming as a source of personal and professional growth. I am excited to share #MindYourGame educational content with our players,” said Julie Mavrogeorge, Fresno School District, 2021-2022 NAECAD High School Esports Director of the Year.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, gaming offered more than entertainment – it was a social space for young players to build relationships, form communities, and derive meaning in the absence of physical connection. As a result, gaming and esports have continued to proliferate over the last two years. However, there has been an associated rise in gaming and mental health issues: an estimated 3% of gamers suffer from gaming disorder, and 10% are at risk of problematic play. Therefore, esports requires careful attention from players, families, educators, and professionals to play safely and responsibly.

Entain Foundation U.S. and INTENTA are committed to making esports a safe and positive experience for young people. Their esports mental wellness campaign will inspire students to develop and maintain healthy gaming habits and encourage an inclusive community that supports players’ mental health and well-being.

About Entain Foundation U.S.

Entain Foundation U.S is a first-of-its-kind non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible gambling, sports integrity and corporate compliance in the U.S. The Foundation was launched in 2019 by the Entain Global Foundation and the Entain Group. The organization’s trustees include Entain’s Martin Lycka, former New York Giants wide receiver and Super Bowl Champion Amani Toomer, and international gambling regulatory expert Bill Pascrell, III, a partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group. Entain Foundation US also sponsors information and education programs on problem gambling for professional athletes, collegiate athletes, coaches, and teams at 40 U.S colleges and universities and several associated leagues. Globally, the Entain Foundation has committed more than $100 million to responsible gambling programs over the next five years. For more information, visit the group’s website: https://entainfoundation-us.com/

About INTENTA

INTENTA is a platform for gamer behavioral health. Its educational campaigns promote the benefits of gaming and esports while raising awareness of safe play and mental wellness. Its training courses are written by esports and clinical psychologists, educators, and gaming experts to maximize positive behavioral health outcomes for gamers and their families. Its strategic consultancy services help organizations become early adopters of responsible and safer gaming practices. INTENTA is supported by a group of cross-disciplinary experts who offer unique insights at the intersection of gaming, esports and behavioral health. Visit: intenta.digital