American Universities are raising student-athletes’ awareness of the dangers of gambling
One of the main objections that opponents have been doubling down on since May 2018, when it first became legal for U.S. states to regulate and tax their own sports betting markets for resident gamblers, has been the concern that this will lead to an increase in problem gambling.
That’s a polite way of saying “gambling addiction,” which is a serious drawback to the otherwise thrilling and lucrative American sports betting industry. The industry has already generated a multibillion-dollar handle, which has led to the creation of a new tax revenue stream in more than thirty states, and counting.
The NCAA has just agreed to address this significant drawback after vowing to raise student-athletes’ awareness of the dangers and potential harm associated with gambling. That growing sector has also enhanced the temptation for those Americans struggling with a gambling addiction.
In order to combat gambling addiction, the NCAA has promised to achieve this by organizing new responsible gambling education sessions for student-athletes across the nation through its relationship with Entain Foundation U.S. and EPIC Risk Management.
Stan Wilcox, the NCAA’s executive vice president for regulatory affairs, stated to the press:
“There are many hazards involved in sports betting, and EPIC Risk Management’s education is vital for student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and officials. We value the cooperation that has been shown in preserving college sports’ honor and the safety of all parties.
And the cost will be covered by the Entain Foundation.
Over the next five years, Entain Fdn. will invest $132 million in initiatives to promote responsible gambling
A first-of-its-kind non-profit organization called Entain Foundation U.S. is committed to advancing business compliance, ethical gaming, and sports integrity in the country.
Martin Lycka, Senior VP for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling at Entain, described his company’s participation in this new relationship to the media as follows:
Entain Foundation U.S. is pleased to assist EPIC Risk Management in delivering player protection and problem gambling awareness training to NCAA college athletes across the nation face-to-face.
Entain V.P. Lycka uses the term “support” in reference to the $132 million his company has committed to Responsible Gambling projects over the following five years. This is a large commitment made to prevent any potential abuse that legalized sports gambling might unintentionally bring about.
According to John Millington, Director of Sports Partnerships at EPIC Risk Management, a preeminent independent gambling damage reduction consultancy, his organization is required to take part because:
The reduction of potential gambling hazards and the promotion of player safety are collectively our responsibilities. It’s wonderful that so many organizations are emphasizing the significance of education and awareness for this potentially high-risk demographic, and our partnership with the Entain Foundation U.S. is a critical strategic component of our preventative pillar.
This is a good step that aims to prevent risky behavior from emerging in the first place; gamblers must also commit to working toward this goal.
Both Sides of the Bet Must Engage in Responsibly Playing the Game
All parties involved in the wager, both the industry and the actual bettors who must own responsibility for their decisions, must work together to neutralize the consequences of problem gambling in the United States.
As we previously documented in How to Gamble Responsibly, According to the Experts, there is assistance available for those who require it. If the new legal sports betting market in the United States is to continue to grow, this is an important factor to take into account.
