NFL

The NFL has launched what it bills as “extensive, integrated league-wide responsible betting public awareness program,” which is designed to educate fans to engage with sports betting responsibly.

The core message, “Stick to Your Game Plan. Always Bet Responsibly,” is designed to encourage people to play responsibly by sticking to a game plan, including setting a budget to know their limits, using licensed, regulated operators, and asking for help if they need it.

Commencing immediately, and continuing throughout the season, fans will see the NFL’s responsible betting initiative roll out across a variety of channels including online, in-stadium, social media and in print. 

Later in the year, it will also begin to run on national and local television, including broadcast partners and NFL owned-and-operated media channels. In addition, the NFL is working with clubs to spread awareness and education at the local level.

“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,” explained Christopher Halpin, NFL executive vice president, chief strategy and growth officer

“We also recognise that responsible betting programs across the country are under-resourced, especially as legalisation 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 legalised sports betting.  

“In collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling and our commercial partners, the league is fully committed to advancing responsible betting awareness, education, and problem-gambling support.” 

Furthermore, the league will also collaborate with official partners Caesars Entertainment, DraftKings, and FanDuel, to share and support responsible gambling efforts.

This comes alongside a multimillion-dollar, multi-year commitment to significantly expand its long-standing partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling.

It is hoped that this will enable the firm to launch a national grant program to fund enhanced services offered by local and statewide providers, as well as prevention programs, including expansion of youth-facing curricula 

“The National Council on Problem Gambling is pleased to partner with the NFL to shine a light on the importance of responsible betting,” added Keith Whyte, NCPG executive director. 

“With this partnership, we are able to exponentially enhance the NCPG’s ability to provide advocacy, awareness, and assistance on problem gambling. 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.”