NFL announces partnership with the International Center for Responsible Gaming
Last week the NFL announced a partnership with the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) to help prevent youth gambling exposure and support gambling research on college athletes and students over the next three years. With sports betting becoming more prevalent, sports leagues, sports betting sites, and betting organizations have made an effort to reduce potential gambling harms for young athletes and students.
"We're proud to partner with the ICRG to advance research that can drive meaningful solutions and address a critical gap in the understanding of gambling behaviors among college athletes and students," said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility. "This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting responsible gambling and fostering a safe and supportive environment for athletes, fans, and communities." The NFL is one of the most bet-on sports leagues in the world.
The details
As part of the partnership, the NFL foundation will provide $600,000 over three years for independent, peer-reviewed research that will be led by the ICRG to explore the prevalence, risk factors, and impacts of gambling behaviours on college athletes and students. Educating young bettors and students has been a goal for the sports betting sites, organizations and leagues. The league will also fund an update for the ICRG’s “Talking with Children About Gambling” educational resources that equips coaches, parents, and educators with practical guidance to help prevent youth gambling exposure before college.
This partnership between the NFL and ICRG will help fund independent researchers to explore a wide range of topics with the goal of informing data-driven prevention strategies, education, and policies aimed at reducing gambling-related harm.
NFL’s commitment to responsible gambling
"The NFL has once again demonstrated its commitment to player and fan protection by supporting this critical research targeting young adults," said Arthur Paikowsky, president of the ICRG. "The NFL and ICRG together will make a meaningful contribution to understanding and implementing policies and programs that support a safer gambling environment."
This partnership is another step for the NFL in promoting responsible gambling. The NFL has existing initiatives with the National Council on Problem Gambling and the Responsible Gambling Council. The league continues to put resources towards addressing emerging challenges in the sports betting world. According to the NFL, some studies have indicated that college athletes could be at higher risk for gambling problems.
