The National Football League (NFL) has announced a partnership with the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) to launch a responsible gambling education program aimed at university and college student-athletes across Canada. This initiative seeks to provide student-athletes with the tools and knowledge required to make informed gambling decisions and minimize potential risks associated with sports betting.
The program is set to commence with a pilot phase during the upcoming 2025 spring semester, initially rolling out at eight Canadian universities and colleges. Insights and feedback gathered from this pilot will be instrumental in refining the program before a broader rollout to 30 institutions in the 2025-2026 academic year. The NFL and RGC will employ a comprehensive evaluation framework to assess the program’s impact and effectiveness, with plans to share key findings with wider audiences.
Sarah McCarthy, CEO of the Responsible Gambling Council, emphasized the importance of this initiative by stating, “Student-athletes face unique pressures from academics, athletics, and the accessibility of sports betting, making them vulnerable to risky gambling behaviours. Our partnership with the NFL is a crucial step in supporting this group by providing the education and tools needed to make informed decisions.”
Program Structure and Objectives
The training will include interactive sessions designed to engage student-athletes and equip them with an understanding of gambling risks, the odds involved, and the potential harms. The curriculum will cover essential topics such as:
- The odds and risks associated with gambling and the likelihood of financial loss over time.
- Identifying personal vulnerabilities and recognizing early warning signs of gambling-related harm.
- Learning about available resources for those experiencing gambling-related challenges.
In addition to educating student-athletes, the program will also train designated campus personnel to effectively deliver the content, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the educational efforts.
NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility, Anna Isaacson, expressed the league’s commitment to the initiative, stating, “We are proud to support the Responsible Gambling Council in this important initiative. 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. 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.”
Commitment to Responsible Gambling
This collaboration marks a continuation of the NFL’s dedication to promoting responsible gambling practices. The league has previously partnered with the U.S. National Council on Problem Gambling to enhance problem gambling prevention services and promote responsible gambling efforts within the United States. Additionally, in 2024, the NFL provided in-person gambling policy training to all players and staff across its 32 franchises.
The RGC, known for its collaborations with various sports organizations, recently partnered with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) to promote responsible gambling messaging during games at Scotiabank Arena and BMO Field. These initiatives align with the council’s broader mission to foster a culture of informed and responsible gambling behaviors.
