NFL and Responsible Gambling Council Partner Up to Educate Student Athletes

Posted on: January 28, 2025, 09:16h. 

Last updated on: January 28, 2025, 09:29h.

Mark Keast Read More

Expertise: Canadian Gaming, iGaming, Las Vegas, Sports Betting, NFL, Boxing, UFC.

The National Football League (NFL) and Canada’s Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) are joining forces to educate a group that research has shown to be more susceptible to problem gambling – student-athletes.

“Student-athletes face unique pressures from academics, athletics, and the accessibility of sports betting, making them vulnerable to risky gambling behaviors,” said the Gambling Council CEO, Sarah McCarthy.

Risky Gambling Behaviours

Both organizations are developing and implementing a responsible gambling training program specifically designed for university and college student-athletes. The program will launch with a pilot phase at eight universities and colleges across Canada for the upcoming 2025 spring semester.

“Our partnership with the NFL is a crucial step in supporting this group by providing the education and tools needed to make informed decisions,” McCarthy said. “Early responsible gambling education helps student-athletes build capacities to succeed both on and off the field.”

Benefits of Education

A broader rollout for the program is in the cards for 2025-26. Based on feedback from the pilot, the Gambling Council plans to expand the program to 30 universities and colleges.

Our shared goal is to equip these student-athletes with the tools and knowledge to navigate gambling risks, fostering a safer and more responsible environment,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility. “We also hope to gain insights that will be invaluable in shaping future responsible gambling efforts to benefit all those who play and engage with our game as fans.”

The Gambling Council will develop the program, with the objective of giving the student-athlete the information they need to make informed decisions about gambling. That includes support in “training the trainer,” ensuring the individual delivering the program has the tools and information.

The program will feature sessions including video and other interactive components, with the student-athlete coming out of it with a better understanding of the risks around gambling, the signs of gambling harm and impacts on family and friends, their unique level of susceptibility of falling into traps, plus where to access resources for those going through gambling-related harms.