WONDR NATION and Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling Announce FOX61 Student News 2025 Responsible Gaming Awards Winner
Mashantucket, CT (June 4, 2025)
WONDR NATION, the online gaming and entertainment company owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, in partnership with the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), presented a $5,000 award for the 2025 Responsible Gaming Awards. As part of FOX61’s Student News Awards and now in its second year, the initiative was created to generate awareness about the risks of youth gambling addiction.
Through this initiative, Connecticut middle and high school students participating in FOX61’s Student News program were invited to create public service announcements addressing the risks of youth gambling. With guidance from industry mentors, students gained valuable skills in content creation while exploring the importance of informed decision-making, responsible play, and the real-world impact of gambling addiction.
“We believe it’s our responsibility to invest in the well-being of future generations,” said Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. “Through initiatives like the Responsible Gaming Awards, we’re not only raising awareness about the risks of youth gambling, but also empowering young people to use their voices to spark change. We’re proud to stand alongside partners like CCPG and DMHAS to build a safer, more informed future for our communities.”
WONDR NATION’s selected winner, Organized Parents Make a Difference, was granted a $5,000 award to further their work and future efforts. Entries were evaluated by a panel of WONDR NATION team members, who reviewed submissions based on creativity, message clarity, and impact.
“At WONDR NATION, we believe in the power of education, awareness, and community to help shape the future of responsible gaming,” said Anika Howard, President & CEO of WONDR NATION. “We’re proud to continue this program alongside CCPG and DMHAS to create awareness about an important topic while providing a platform for the young voices that are redefining the way we talk about gambling prevention.”
The Responsible Gaming Awards is one of several initiatives led by WONDR NATION in partnership with CCPG to promote safe gaming practices. As part of its ongoing collaboration, WONDR NATION provides annual funding to support CCPG’s efforts and champions the Multicultural Gambling Prevention Program, which supports cultural communities at higher risk of experiencing gambling-related harm. Recent initiatives under this program include a Community Conversation with the Sikh Art Gallery, held in March 2025 in recognition of Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Looking ahead, WONDR NATION will collaborate again with CCPG for a Pride Month Community Conversation in June 2025 focusing on intersectional approaches to gambling prevention.
Through these ongoing efforts, WONDR NATION reaffirms its commitment to supporting gambling addiction education, prevention, and advocacy initiatives that positively impact Connecticut communities. The company remains dedicated to creating lasting changes across generations through its work.
For more information on WONDR NATION, visit wondrnation.com and linkedin.com/company/wondrnation.
About WONDR NATION
WONDR NATION is an online gaming entertainment company focused on partnering with best-in-class gaming platforms and using emerging technologies and trends to create new and exciting experiences for players. Owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, equality and diversity are deeply engrained into WONDR NATION’s company makeup as well as its ongoing endeavors. With corporate responsibility and sustainable play serving as key driving forces, WONDR NATION is committed to educating players about maintaining healthy user habits, and developing the next generation of gaming professionals through educational programs, vocational training and employment opportunities.
About the mashantucket pequot tribal nation
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe located in southeastern Connecticut. As pioneers of the Indian casino gaming industry, the history of the Mashantucket Pequots reveals one of American's greatest come-back stories which is featured at the world-renowned Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. Today, the Tribe owns and operates one of the largest Integrated Resort Casino destinations in North America, Foxwoods Resort Casino, as well as Foxwoods El San Juan Casino, located at the iconic Fairmont El San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico. The Tribe also founded Command Holdings, LLC., a federally chartered Section 17 holding company offering expertise in government, healthcare, facilities management, and technology. Other enterprises owned by the Tribe include the innovative Wondr Nation online gaming entertainment company, a world-class golf course, the luxurious Spa at Norwich Inn, Pequot Pharmaceutical Network, and Pequot Plus Health Benefit Services.
As one of the highest revenue contributors and largest employers in Connecticut, the Mashantucket Pequots have hosted millions of visitors and provided billions in slot revenue payments to the State. The Tribe has also contributed hundreds of millions in donations and sponsorships to support worthy charities, community events and programs, and other tribes in need, locally and throughout the United States. Dedicated to our future generations inheriting clean beautiful land, a safe community and a strong economy, we remain committed to promoting spirituality, strong family values, education, social stability, economic independence, and the wellbeing of our Tribal Members, employees and guests in a healthy and supportive environment. Our ultimate goal is to protect and advance our sovereign rights in order to build and preserve a cultural, social and economic foundation that can never be undermined or destroyed. To learn more about the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, please visit us at www.mptn-nsn.gov.
About CCPG
The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) does not advocate for or against gambling but is committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to help individuals and families impacted by gambling related harm. CCPG provides Connecticut’s only 24-hour Problem Gambling Helpline, offering support via phone, live online chat, and text. CCPG also implements prevention and education programs serving students, veterans, and other at-risk populations.
Media Contact
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wondrnation@5wpr.com
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