EPIC Risk Management renewed its partnership with Entain Foundation US, and the NFL’s Professional Athletes Foundation in support of NFLPA members. This collaboration will help with gambling harm prevention awareness, education, sports integrity programs and advisory services.
The partnership between the NFLPA, Entain Foundation US, EPIC and Entain Foundation US was in July 2020. It will be renewed by the gambling harm prevention consultancy to provide workshops, seminars and projects that use in-person lived experiences facilitators.
“We are thrilled, with the support from the Entain Foundation US to continue working with NFLPA PAF supporting their proactive holistic approach to prioritising welfare of the person behind a player,” stated John Millington Senior Director at EPIC Risk Management.
“As sports betting continues to grow across the USA, as evidenced by the $16bn projected record wagered by 50,000,000 Americans last month’s Super Bowl, it is imperative that we develop innovative and preventive approaches to reduce gambling harm and raise awareness.
“Together we will provide the NFLPA PAF our full range gambling harm minimization expertise to ensure they continue to be at the forefront in this important work.”
The Entain Foundation US and EPIC have the potential to offer the service to NFLPA members and their immediate support network throughout the year. However, delivery timings must be met.
“Educating our members on the possible risks of problems such as problem gambling, is an important part of our work for our members,” said Caryl Blocks Senior Professional Athletes Foundation Manager at NFLPA.
“Since becoming the first US Players’ Association to partner with EPIC Risk Management in 2002, we have been positively reassured by the way we have worked together to bring awareness about problem gambling to a statistically less vulnerable population.
“We look forward to expanding our relationship with you and a commitment to preventive and proactive action for the well-being of our members.
“In EPIC Risk Management we have continued to partner an organisation that is not just a market leader in providing such educational programs, but also shares our commitment for excellence in athlete welfare.”
Since 1990, the PAF has served NFLPA members. It has helped over 13,000 achieve post-football success by providing a variety of financial, educational, and health resources as well as wellness events.
The Entain Foundation US, EPIC and the NFLPA/PAF made the NFL the first professional US league to offer a problem gambling education program.
Martin Lycka is Entain’s Senior Vice-President for American Regulatory Affairs. He is also the Trustee of Entain Foundation US.
Entain Foundation US provided funding to EPIC, a global leader in gambling harm prevention education. This has allowed EPIC to make such an impact on one the most at-risk groups.
The NFLPA and Kindbridge created the “first-of its-kind” mental health program in October to address several issues, including problem gambling.
