As the expansion of regulated sports betting in the US continues, the issue of responsible gambling has taken on even more importance.
The NFL, a main driving force behind the expansion of sports betting in the US, has recognized this and announced the launch of an extensive responsible gambling education and awareness campaign, in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
The campaign will include the help of the NFL’s official sports betting partners, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars, who hold a significant portion of the overall sports betting market in the country.
The campaign’s main message to fans who may want to get involved with sports betting is straight and simple: “Stick to Your Game Plan. Always Bet Responsibly.”
“We feel it is critical that the NFL uses the power of our voice to educate and encourage fans who choose to bet to do so in a safe and responsible way,” said NFL Executive Vice President Christopher Halpin.
“We also recognize that responsible betting programs across the country are under-resourced, especially as legalization spreads nationwide. Collectively, all of us in the sports and betting industries need to learn from international examples and make sure the development of education and support programs matches the state-by-state growth in legalized sports betting.”
NFL and NCPG to fight problem gambling
The NFL’s brand-new responsible gambling initiative comes as a part of the league’s overall approach to the problem. The NFL is set to invest more than $6.2 million, according to the Associated Press, to expand programs for problem gambling prevention and treatment, all in partnership with the NCPG.
The initiative is planned for the next several years and will enable the NCPG to give out nationwide grants for various prevention and education programs, especially those aimed at youth.
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The NFL’s initiative is also set to help change the national problem gambling helpline and improve its quality and accessibility, including the new www.responsibleplay.org website, which will offer players tips on how to bet responsibly as well as all the necessary tools and resources for those who may be in need of more comprehensive help.
“With this partnership, we are able to exponentially enhance the NCPG’s ability to provide advocacy, awareness and assistance on problem gambling,” said NCPG Director Keith Whyte. “The NFL’s far-reaching initiative demonstrates its strong commitment to being an industry leader in raising awareness.
“The league’s support of our advocacy efforts will help fund new communications initiatives, such as ResponsiblePlay.org and a PSA about problem gambling, expand gambling prevention services where they are most needed, and modernize our National Problem Gambling Helpline operations with updated capabilities.”
Why NFL involvement Is critical
While Americans are now able to bet on a variety of sports in many states, football remains by far the biggest betting market in the US.
GeoComply data showed that betting transactions in the US increased by more than 120% during the first four weeks of the NFL season, and an AGA survey found that 45 million Americans plan on betting on NFL games this season, 36% more than last season.
This makes NFL a key player in promotion of responsible betting and prevention of problem gambling, as it is the one sports competitions that the vast majority of bettors look at each year.
With 2% of adult Americans having gambling problems on some level and legal sports betting allowing more access than ever, it is critical for the NFL to step in with initiatives like this. Other sports organizations such as the NBA, MLB and the WTA have also been working closely with the NCPG to help with the same problem.
