The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) has extended its collaboration with Epic Risk Management, a gambling harm prevention consultancy, through its Professional Athletes Foundation (PAF). Since July 2020, Epic Risk Management has been providing virtual educational programs to NFL players. This renewed partnership seeks to introduce comprehensive workshops, seminars, events, and projects focused on responsible gaming. The aim is to raise awareness about gambling-related risks and prioritize the well-being of players.
The Growing Need for Responsible Gaming Education:
With the surge in sports wagering across the United States, exemplified by a projected $16 billion wagered by 50 million Americans during the recent Super Bowl, the importance of proactive and preventative approaches to address gambling harm becomes increasingly evident. The collaboration between NFLPA PAF and Epic Risk Management aims to tackle this issue head-on.
Diverse Educational Initiatives:
The extended partnership will encompass a variety of initiatives:
Educational Workshops and Seminars: NFLPA members will have access to workshops and seminars designed to educate them about responsible gaming practices. These initiatives are essential to equip players with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.
Holistic Approach: Epic Risk Management, with the support of the Entain Foundation US, aims to support NFLPA PAF’s holistic approach to player welfare. This approach recognizes the individual behind the athlete and seeks to safeguard their well-being.
Raising Awareness: By collaborating closely, NFLPA and Epic Risk Management intend to raise awareness among players about the potential risks associated with problem gambling. The aim is to reach a demographic that may be more vulnerable to such risks.
Innovative Partnerships: Epic Risk Management’s partnership with the UCFB’s Global Institute of Sport (GIS) further demonstrates its commitment to minimizing gambling-related harms. By teaming up with international industry leaders, the consultancy aims to explore challenges, opportunities, and threats related to gambling addiction in the sports industry.
As sports wagering gains traction across the United States, the renewed partnership between NFLPA PAF and Epic Risk Management emerges as a crucial step toward responsible gaming education. By offering a range of educational initiatives and embracing a holistic approach, the collaboration seeks to empower NFL players with the knowledge needed to navigate the world of sports wagering responsibly. This proactive endeavor underscores the commitment of both organizations to prioritize player welfare and well-being.