This week, the National Football League (NFL) has announced the start of a new league-wide responsible betting education program. The new initiative will focus on educating sports fans that take part in sports betting about how to do so in a responsible manner.
The main message to fans is to create a game plan and stick to it. This includes setting a budget for gaming, betting with licensed operators, and seeking help when a gambling problem arises.
Stick to Your Game Plan. Always Bet Responsibly
The tag line of the new program is ‘Stick to Your Game Plan. Always Bet Responsibly’. As part of the program, the NFL is working with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). The two have signed a multi-year, multimillion-dollar agreement to expand their partnership together.
Funding by the NFL will help to create a national grant program that will be used to fund services offered by states and local municipalities like prevention programs. The Helpline system of the organization will be transformed with the help of the NFL to create improved communication tools.
A new website has been created in the process, titled www.responsibleplay.org, and it provides the public with tips on how to bet safely as well as resources on how to seek assistance with a gambling problem.
In a press release, Christopher Halpin, the NFL Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, commented that it is critical for the league to use its voice to educate and encourage sports fans who bet to take part in the activity safely and responsibly.
Halpin stated further that the NFL recognizes that programs for assistance are underfunded, and everyone associated with sports and the betting industry needs to learn from international operators and ensure education is developed along with support programs.
Additional Details
From now throughout the season, football fans will see the initiative rolled out across several channels of the NFL including online, social media, in team stadiums, and in print. Later on, the program will be featured on television with the help of broadcast partners and NFL channels.
Messaging within the program is designed to encourage bettors to have a solid game plan when it comes to sports betting. This includes setting a budget for spending as well as knowing your limits. Players are encouraged to bet only with licensed and regulated operators to ensure the environment is safe and controlled.
Official sports betting partners of the league are also helping with the initiative. DraftKings, Caesars Entertainment, and FanDuel are going to share information to the public and support the responsible betting efforts of the league as this new program gets started.