The National Football League (NFL) has announced a significant collaboration with the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) aimed at tackling the increasing concerns surrounding gambling behaviors among college athletes and students. The NFL Foundation will contribute $600,000 over the next three years to fund independent, peer-reviewed studies that explore the prevalence, risk factors, and impacts of gambling within these high-risk populations. This new initiative reflects the NFL’s ongoing commitment to addressing the emerging challenges of sports betting and promoting responsible gambling practices.

Addressing the need for in-depth research on gambling risks:

While there is some initial evidence suggesting that college athletes might be particularly vulnerable to gambling problems, comprehensive and current data on how college populations engage with online sports betting platforms is scarce. This research initiative will enable independent researchers to examine a variety of issues, including the behavioral patterns associated with gambling, as well as the broader social and academic impacts. The goal is to develop informed, data-driven prevention strategies, educational materials, and policies to help mitigate gambling-related harm.

In particular, the NFL and ICRG aim to gain deeper insights into the specific risks faced by college students, a demographic that is increasingly exposed to the world of online sports betting. By funding this research, the NFL hopes to fill critical gaps in understanding and create evidence-based approaches to prevent gambling issues before they escalate. The ICRG’s Independent Scientific Advisory Board will review all grant applications, ensuring that the research is both scientifically rigorous and unbiased. As Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility, remarked and NFL.com reported, “This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting responsible gambling and fostering a safe and supportive environment for athletes, fans, and communities.”

In addition to supporting research, the NFL will also help update the ICRG’s “Talking with Children About Gambling” educational program. This initiative is designed to equip parents, coaches, and educators with the tools to educate young people about the risks associated with gambling before they enter college. The updated materials will be widely available online and distributed to schools, community sports organizations, and youth programs across the nation.

The updated educational resources aim to raise awareness among young audiences about the potential dangers of gambling, emphasizing prevention and responsible decision-making. The program’s goal is to provide parents and educators with practical strategies for discussing gambling, fostering an informed and proactive approach to addressing this growing issue.

Strengthening the NFL’s ongoing responsible gambling efforts:

This partnership with the ICRG builds on the NFL’s previous efforts to promote responsible gambling. Since the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized sports betting outside Nevada, the NFL has worked closely with various organizations to promote safe and responsible wagering. In addition to the ICRG, the NFL has long collaborated with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) to implement educational programs and provide resources to both athletes and fans.

The NFL’s investment in responsible gambling is not limited to research and education. The league has made significant financial contributions, including a $6.4 million donation to the NCPG in 2023, which is being used to support problem gambling helplines, awareness campaigns, and grants for underserved communities. This multi-faceted approach underscores the NFL’s broader commitment to ensuring that sports fans, athletes, and the general public are equipped with the knowledge and tools to engage with gambling responsibly.

With sports betting expanding rapidly across the U.S. and Canada, the NFL’s proactive stance highlights its crucial role not only in sports entertainment but also in safeguarding the well-being of players, fans, and future generations. The partnership with the ICRG is a timely and necessary step in addressing the gambling risks faced by college athletes, who may be particularly susceptible due to their close ties to the sports industry.