Canada’s Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) has partnered with the National Football League (NFL) to develop and implement a responsible gambling training program for collegiate athletes.
The program has been developed in response to research which suggests that student-athletes show an increased susceptibility to gambling harm, making them a priority target for responsible gambling initiatives.
The program will launch with a pilot phase at eight universities and colleges in Canada in the spring semester, with feedback and insights from these sessions being used to improve the program ahead of a broader rollout in the 2025-26 school year.
The NFL and RGC will also explore opportunities to maximise the program’s impact by sharing its results with broader audiences.
“Student-athletes face unique pressures from academics, athletics, and the accessibility of sports betting, making them vulnerable to risky gambling behaviours,” said RGC chief executive Sarah McCarthy.
“Our partnership with the NFL is a crucial step in supporting this group by providing the education and tools needed to make informed decisions. Early responsible gambling education helps student-athletes build capacities to succeed both on and off the field.”
Anna Isaacson, SVP of social responsibility at the NFL, commented: “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.”