NBA legend Oakley teams up with Entain for responsible gambling initiative
Entain Foundation US to sponsor ‘Oak Out Hunger’ project in underprivileged communities
Charles Oakley is joining forces with the Entain Foundation US to bring responsible gambling awareness to the NBA legend’s ongoing initiative, ‘Oak Out Hunger.’
‘Oak Out Hunger’ is a community service program run by the Charles Oakley Foundation that focuses on providing support and resources to underprivileged communities facing hunger, addiction, and economic challenges in cities throughout the US.
With the addition of the Entain Foundation US sponsorship, the initiative will be expanded to include responsible gambling education programs. The non-profit wing of the sports betting group will provide both funding and expertise aimed at reducing the effects of problem gambling in struggling and low-income communities.
“As sports betting takes off across many US states, we’re committed to do all we can to ensure that people only bet what they can afford,” said Entain senior vice-president for American regulatory affairs and responsible gambling Martin Lycka. “The Oakley Foundation is an ideal partner to help us reach those in most need with education on responsible gambling.”
The program will be implemented in a host of US cities in 2022 – including Los Angeles, New York, Buffalo, Philadelphia, and New Orleans – intentionally coinciding with major sporting events like the Super Bowl and March Madness. The campaign will also make stops in cities home to universities such as Indiana University, the University of Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
“It’s all about giving back to people who are trying to get through life,” said Oakley. “I go all over. And you see people hanging out on the streets, nowhere to get a meal, some of whom use what little money they have to fund addictions. Our program is about helping to break that cycle. Give them a chance and a good meal. Meet some different people and have a good time.”
The Charles Oakley Foundation launched the ‘Oak Out Hunger’ campaign in 2020. The mission of the Entain Foundation US, which launched in 2019, is to promote responsible gambling, sports integrity, and corporate compliance in the US.