The NFL is putting its voice and money behind an initiative to build a safer sports betting ecosystem in the U.S.
On Wednesday, the NFL launched a responsible betting public awareness campaign that includes a $6.2 million, three-year partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). It’s the largest grant ever for the NCPG, and according to executive director Keith Whyte, nearly doubles the annual budget of the Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization that was founded in 1972.
“The problem gambling field is about 20 years behind where we are with substance abuse, and this grant is going to help us catch up,” Whyte told ESPN. “It’s massive. It’s going to really help us help more people.”
The initiative will fund state and local problem gambling resources, modernize the national hotline, develop the website resonsibleplay.org and promote responsible play messaging across the league’s media platforms. Later this fall, responsible play television spots featuring retired coaches and players will begin airing.
“We feel it is critical that the NFL uses the power of our voice to educate and encourage fans who choose to gamble to do so in a safe and responsible way,” Christopher Halpin, NFL Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, said in a release announcing the campaign. “We also recognize that responsible betting programs across the country are under-resourced, especially as legalization spreads nationwide.”
Three years after a landmark ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court, legal sportsbooks are operating in 28 states and the District of Columbia, with the majority offering online betting. It’s one of the largest expansions of gambling in U.S. history and has prompted fears of a pending spike in problem gamblers.
According to the NCPG, an estimated two million adults in the U.S. meet the criteria for severe gambling problems, and studies have shown that sports betting, especially when conducted online, has a higher prevalence…
Source : espn
