This has seen the Major League Soccer Players Association recruit the pair to educate on the risks and gambling harm, which will be undertaken through dedicated sessions and awareness programs.

Ben McGregor, director of sports partnerships at EPIC Risk Management, explained: “The players, staff and MLS in general have a global reach and will therefore be subject to considerable sports wagering attention around the world. 

“This program is intended to provide MLSPA members with informed understanding to minimise the risk of sporting integrity issues that can arise from gambling activities, as well as utilising our considerable lived experience from facilitators who have elite sports backgrounds, who can also advise on the effects that gambling-related harm can have on an individual’s performance and welfare. 

“This is an important new step in our relationship with the Major Leagues in the US, and we’re delighted to extend upon our existing soccer partnerships around the world by working with the MLSPA, leading players and teams from the MLS.”

The three-year partnership with the MLS’ players union will see EPIC deliver gambling harm prevention education and awareness workshops, as well as provide prevention resources and advisory resources.

Content will be made available to the entire MLSPA membership, which is achieved via funding provided by Entain Foundation US.

This program, in addition to its associated resources, will be made available to all 29 MLS teams, 26 of which are US-based, with a trio calling Canada home, to cover issues as gambling harm prevention, problem gaming and sports integrity. The league will expand to 30 teams from 2025. 

“This partnership with EPIC Risk Management and Entain Foundation U.S will enhance our ability to educate and equip our player pool as the presence and inherent risks of sports betting continue to evolve and permeate players’ lives,” said Dan Jones, MLSPA COO.

“We look forward to working alongside them to ensure players have access to crucial education, resources and support.”

Last year, EPIC and the Entain Foundation US, launched in 2019, disclosed a partnership with the National Collegiate Athletic Association. This followed similar partnerships that have been undertaken alongside the National Football League Players’ Association Professional Athletes Foundation and USA Rugby, among others.

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This two-year programme is tasked with establishing a network of former problem gamblers who have been successfully treated by the charity and now want to support others who may be seeking, or have recently finished, treatment.

The project will formally launch next month and will be overseen by Gordon Moody’s Head of Service Development, Clinical Director and the members of its Clinical Governance Committee.

Matthew Hickey, CEO of Gordon Moody, commented: “The Alumni Project will help Gordon Moody reach more people who need our support by putting the voice of lived experience at the heart of both our engagement and residential services. 

“Support from the Entain Foundation is crucial to help Gordon Moody grow its services and meet the demands of those needing treatment and support. We are delighted to continue our work with Entain and for their ongoing support and financial donations.” 

The project includes a peer mentor programme with training and supervision capabilities that can be offered both before and after treatment takes place. 

In addition, it will also provide a number of flexible part-time and full-time paid positions for alumni. A steering group will be established in order for the alumni to share experiences and help inform and improve the treatment programmes.

“We have been proud and active supporters of Gordon Moody for a number of years now, and are delighted to continue that support with the funding of the charity’s Alumni Project,” explained Barry Gibson, Chair of Entain.

“This is in addition to the more than £40m we have voluntarily donated to GambleAware, who commission treatments for gambling addiction across England, Scotland and Wales, free at the point of delivery. 

“Gordon Moody’s Alumni Project will be the first time that those who have completed their treatment will be able to support those seeking treatment. It will provide people who are most at risk from gambling harm with direct support from those who have been in their position and recovered.” 

Entain has been a supporter of Gordon Moody for over six years, which has helped the development of Gordon Moody’s Gambling Therapy app, a women’s residential programme and COVID-19 pandemic services.

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EPIC, Entain Foundation US and the NFLPA’s partnership initially began in July 2020, and the renewal will see the gambling harm prevention consultancy provide workshops, seminars, events, and customised projects using in-person lived experience facilitators. 

“We are delighted, with the support of the Entain Foundation US, to continue working with the NFLPA PAF in supporting their proactive and holistic approach to prioritising the welfare of the person behind the player,” commented John Millington, Senior Director at EPIC Risk Management.

“As the prevalence of sports wagering continues to increase across the USA – as highlighted by a new projected record $16bn wagered by 50 million Americans on last month’s Super Bowl – the need for pioneering and preventative approaches to raise awareness and minimise the risks of gambling harm also increases.

“Together, we will continue to provide the NFLPA PAF with our full range of gambling harm minimization expertise, so they remain at the forefront of this vital work.”

The service by EPIC and the Entain Foundation US has the potential to be offered to NFLPA members and their immediate support networks throughout the year, subject to the delivery timing.

“Helping our members by educating them on the potential risks of issues such as problem gambling is a vital part of the work we do for our membership,” added Caryl Banks, Senior Professional Athletes Foundation (PAF) Manager at NFLPA.

“Since being the first Players’ Association in the US to partner with EPIC Risk Management, we have been positively reassured by how well we have collaborated to raise awareness around the issue of problem gambling to a statistically more vulnerable demographic.

“We’re looking forward to expanding this relationship further with a commitment to proactive and preventative action for the welfare of our members.

“In EPIC Risk Management, we have continued to partner with an organisation that is not only a market leader in delivering such educational programs but also an organisation that shares our commitment to excellence in athlete welfare.”

The PAF has been serving NFLPA members since 1990, helping over 13,000 members achieve post-football success with a range of health, financial and educational resources, plus wellness events.

EPIC, the Entain Foundation US and the NFLPA/PAF helped the NFL become the first professional US sports league to run a problem gambling education and awareness program in July 2020.

Martin Lycka, Entain’s Senior Vice President for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling and Trustee of Entain Foundation US, noted: “Entain Foundation US is proud to support EPIC Risk Management in their delivery of problem gambling awareness and player protection workshops to the Professional Athletes Foundation.

“We are glad that the funding provided by Entain Foundation US has helped EPIC, the global leaders in delivery of gambling harm prevention education and advisory, to have such a huge impact on one of the highest-risk populations.”

Last October, the NFLPA teamed up with Kindbridge to create the “first-of-its-kind mental health program” to discuss several topics including problem gambling.

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The consultancy has provides a customised education and awareness player protection program to student-athletes, coaches, game officials, and healthcare and support personnel, which aims to educate them on the risks associated with gambling and sports wagering integrity.

“We are delighted to be able to work closely with colleges around the nation on this essential education and awareness program,” commented John Millington, Senior Director with EPIC Risk Management. 

“There is a collective responsibility to ensure the minimization of potential gambling harms, and the promotion of player safety.

“Our collaboration with Entain Foundation US represents a key strategic piece of our prevention pillar, and it is great that so many organisations are recognising the importance of education and awareness for this potentially high-risk population.”

Thus far, EPIC Risk Management has conducted 158 face-to-face education sessions across 46 colleges in 22 states across the US, which has reached up to 8,000 NCAA collegiate athletes and staff.

“We are pleased that this collaboration has reached so many student-athletes,” said Stan Wilcox, NCAA Executive Vice President for Regulatory Affairs. 

“The risks associated with sports wagering are abundant, and the education provided by EPIC Risk Management is invaluable for student-athletes, coaches, administrators and officials. 

“We appreciate the teamwork to help protect the integrity of college sports and the well-being of everyone involved.”

Globally, the Entain Foundation has pledged to invest $132m in responsible gambling initiatives over the next five years, including the face-to-face element of the NCAA educational program facilitated by Epic Risk Management.

“Entain Foundation US is proud to support EPIC Risk Management on the face-to-face delivery of problem gambling awareness and player protection workshops to NCAA college athletes across the country,” noted Martin Lycka, Entain plc’s Senior Vice President for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling and Trustee of Entain Foundation US. 

“We are glad that the funding provided by Entain Foundation US has helped EPIC, the global leaders in the delivery of problem gambling education, to have such a huge impact on one of the highest-risk populations.”

Since March 2020, Entain Foundation US has funded projects facilitated by EPIC Risk Management to deliver harm minimisation and player protection education to professional and college athletes across the US. 

To date, 46 colleges have taken part in the initiative, which includes live, in-person educational workshops and seminars, pre-recorded sessions, and on-demand virtual resources. This work will continue to run concurrently with the NCAA roll-out.

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The non-profit, dedicated to responsible gambling and funded by the sports betting and gaming group, has been “comprehensively updated” with new and improved features in English, Spanish, Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese.

Gamble Responsibly America’s improvements center around the two areas of greater educational information about problem gambling, and more tools for users to access help and support. 

Educational categories include discussions around disordered gambling, behavioural markers of concern, establishing limits, frequently asked questions, and informative videos about responsible gambling.

The app also provides self-assessment tools, including a daily gambling diary, and shows how users can access help, including a live chat feature.

Moreover, the app also links to an extensive array of support services and organisations, including Kindbridge, a teletherapy company which supports gamblers and gamers struggling with their mental health, and My Wager Score, a platform designed to protect sports bettors’ financial health and minimise the risk of harmful play using real-time affordability data.

“The first version of Gamble Responsibly America was well-received and widely welcomed,” explained Martin Lycka, Entain Senior Vice President for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling, and Trustee of the Entain Foundation US. 

“We’ve since been working hard on enhancements to provide an even more comprehensive tool for maintaining responsible gambling, as well as for preventing and mitigating problems, should they occur.”

Adding: “This second edition of Gamble Responsibly America underscores the helpful resources of the first edition, with more tools, more educational information, additional languages and more resources that are available anytime and anywhere. 

“Our goal with the app is simple – to educate users on safe gambling habits, and provide the necessary tools and resources to allow users to access help and support instantly.”

Available in the App Store and Google Play Store, the offering is unbranded and brings no commercial benefit to Entain or BetMGM, the joint venture with MGM Resorts.

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As part of the collaboration, Entain’s sponsorship will provide both funding and expertise in preventing and mitigating problem gambling to the Oak Out Hunger initiative, resulting in education sitting alongside other community services provided by the Charles Oakley Foundation, including anti-addiction and education programmes. 

“It’s all about giving back to people who are trying to get through life,” Oakley stated. “I go all over. And you see people hanging out on the streets, nowhere to get a meal, some of whom use what little money they have to fund addictions. 

“Our programme is about helping to break that cycle. Give them a chance and a good meal. Meet some different people and have a good time.”

Scheduled for early next year, the programme will operate in US cities including Los Angeles, New York, Buffalo, Philadelphia and New Orleans.

In addition, the campaign will visit further cities and towns also home to universities including Indiana University, the University of Michigan and Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers, West Virginia and Tennessee.

“As sports betting takes off across many US states, we’re committed to do all we can to ensure that people only bet what they can afford – which is especially important in more deprived communities,” said Martin Lycka, Entain senior vice president for American regulatory affairs and responsible gambling, and trustee of the Entain Foundation US. 

“The Oak Out Hunger campaign is truly unique – and effective – in providing essential services to impoverished and underprivileged urban communities across the US, The Oakley Foundation is an ideal partner to help us reach those in most need with education on responsible gambling.”

Lauded as a “first-of-its-kind” non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting responsible gambling, sports integrity and corporate compliance in the US, the foundation was launched in 2019 by the Entain Global Foundation and Entain Group.

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As part of the Responsible Gaming Education Week 2021, the sports betting and gaming operator’s Gamble Responsibly America app will include the campaign, which is said to educate sports fans on responsible sports betting, while HaveAGamePlan.org will highlight the app. 

“Our Responsible Gambling programmes and AGA’s initiatives, including Have a Game Plan, are completely aligned,” said Martin Lycka, Entain senior vice president for American regulatory affairs and responsible gambling and trustee of the Entain Foundation US. 

“The more we can repeat the message of responsible gambling across multiple channels—like the Gamble Responsibly America app and Have A Game Plan—the better our customers’ experience will be.”

BetMGM, which is jointly owned by Entain and MGM Resorts International, has also backed the AGA Have A Game Plan campaign.

The AGA launched “Have A Game Plan” in late 2019 and includes partners DraftKings, FanDuel, Monumental Sports and Entertainment, NASCAR, New York Jets, NHL, PGA TOUR, SeventySix Capital, Sightline Payments, Sinclair Broadcast Group, UFC, Vegas Golden Knights, and Washington Football Team.

Entain, Epic Risk Management and RG24/7, which partner with the Entain Foundation US on responsible gambling education and projects, launched the Gamble Responsibly app in the US in June. 

The free app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, features a series of educational resources and tools to anonymously help and support anyone facing potential issues with problem gambling.

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“For the first time in this field, this initiative brings vital academic research in the U.S. to the public domain in dozens of applied settings,” said Bo Bernhard, UNLV vice president, economic development and executive director of UNLV’s International Gaming Institute. 

“We are actively moving beyond the traditional ‘research center,’ since this project will translate scientific research into actionable, operational programs that can be implemented in real venues by operators, regulators, legislators, clinicians, and other stakeholders.”

The foundation is a non-profit organisation funded by global sports betting, gaming and interactive entertainment operator, Entain – which jointly owns BetMGM in the US with MGM Resorts International. 

Highlighting this initiative as the next logical step, Martin Lycka, Entain Senior Vice President for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling and trustee of the Entain Foundation US, added: “We continue to support research around the world, but this initiative goes well beyond that and brings into focus what has been missing from this space – practical implementation of the research that will benefit the customer base and the industry itself.”

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Scheduled for September 19-22, the programme – known as the Seton Hall Bootcamp, is said to “strengthen legal and compliance professionals specialising in sporting betting and gaming” as the industry continues to expand across the US. 

Martin Lycka, Entain’s senior vice president for US regulatory affairs and responsible gambling, foundation trustee, and a board member and panellist on the programme, described it as a “prerequisite for anyone working on legal, regulatory, compliance and responsible gambling issues in the US and in other countries where legal sports betting and gaming initiatives are taking root or growing rapidly”.

He explained: “Knowledge, experience, expertise and integrity are needed to build and assure a robust and successful sports betting and gaming industry in the US that delivers on its promise of safe and enjoyable entertainment.

“Seton Hall is a pioneer in this endeavour, and this year’s programme will help to develop the best talent for the challenges ahead.”

Much of the curriculum at Seton Hall will be “geared toward gaming company executives, attorneys, regulators, compliance officers, and responsible gambling advocates” whilst also covering state, provincial, tribal and national initiatives, state regulations, and responsible gambling. 

Expert speakers will also provide a broad overview of the business growth and competitive dynamics of the sports-betting and gaming industry in the US and elsewhere.

“With the Entain Foundation’s US sponsorship, we are honoured to host this second Bootcamp second programme for a broader spectrum of professionals, especially after the pandemic challenges of the past year,” notes Kathleen Boozang, dean and professor of law at Seton Hall Law School.  

“Our legal faculty and speakers are the best in the business; every one of them is an expert in their field and many are executives from the world’s best-known operators and leading state agencies.

“This year’s Bootcamp programme expands the scope of presentations beyond legal and regulatory issues to include business and strategic questions within the regulatory theme.

“It’s a great opportunity for prospective gaming business professionals to meet the industry’s leaders, to learn more about career opportunities, and to launch their career trajectory – all in one place.

“Graduates are increasingly entering careers in the sports, gaming, hospitality and entertainment fields. We want to be a resource for this important industry.”

The programme has been lauded as an opportunity for recent law graduates and other professionals looking to “learn about, launch and develop careers” in the gaming industry. 

Speakers include business executives, key government officials, in-house and external counsel, legal scholars, compliance officers, and prominent industry advisors.

William J. Pascrell III, international gambling regulatory expert and Bootcamp speaker, partner at Princeton public affairs group, concluded: “The evolution of legalised gambling across international, national, state, provincial and tribal jurisdictions is accelerating.  

“The Seton Hall Bootcamp programme is the best way to keep pace with this evolution and to prepare for even more growth in this dynamic industry. Industry experts, professionals and potential applicants should not miss this opportunity.”

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Praising the introduction as “another milestone” for the not-for-profit foundation, the free app, available in the App Store and Google Play Store, features a series of educational resources and tools to help and support anyone facing potential issues with problem gambling. 

There is no requirement on people to register, and the app is unbranded, positioning its as an educative resource with no commercial benefit to Entain or BetMGM, the US business it jointly owns with MGM Resorts.

Martin Lycka, Entain senior vice president for American regulatory affairs and responsible gambling and trustee of the Entain Foundation US, noted: “We are incredibly proud to be launching the Gamble Responsibly America application as our commitment to responsible betting and gaming is unmatched within the industry. 

“Through this first-of-its-kind app, we are determined to continue helping individuals by providing the resources and programs necessary to ensure everyone is betting and gaming responsibly.”

Through the app, the Entain Foundation US aims to extend information and services to underpin safe play as sports betting and gaming expands rapidly across the country.  

Gamble Responsibly America will offer assets and information to help people gamble responsibly and provide guidance for those struggling, or who would like to understand the behavioural patterns or symptoms associated, with problem gambling. 

It is the first free app to do this, and available from the outset in both English and Spanish, to maximise its accessibility to all communities in America.

Key features of the app will include limits and tools, a self-assessment quiz, a gambling diary, behavioral callouts, a 24/7 live chat function as well as a range of educational features and resources.

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