Entain and EPIC Risk Management collaborate on MLS education program
Operator’s charitable foundation and gambling charity come together to provide a new educational program to MLS players around the risks of gambling-related harm
Entain Foundation US and EPIC Risk Management have announced a new three-year partnership with the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) to provide educational programs and resources to its members.
The MLSPA represents all players in Major League Soccer (MLS), and this new program will provide players with customized gambling-related harm education and awareness programs as well as advisory resources across the partnership term.
These programs will include harm prevention education, awareness workshops, and prevention resources and will be available to all MLSPA members.
Entain Foundation US will fund EPIC Risk Management to deliver these programs to the MLSPA.
Martin Lycka, Entain SVP for American regulatory affairs and responsible gambling, said: “Given the significant ongoing rise in the popularity of sports betting throughout the country, the importance of educating athletes and the public at large cannot be overstated.
“We are glad that the funding provided by Entain Foundation US has helped EPIC, a global leader in the delivery of problem gambling education, to have such a huge impact on one of the highest-risk populations.”
Ben McGregor, director of sports partnerships at EPIC Risk Management, added: “We are looking forward to working with the MLSPA and its membership in delivering this national program to provide crucial education and advice regarding the ever-growing relationship between wagering and professional sports in the US.
“The players, staff, and MLS, in general, have a global reach and will therefore be subject to considerable sports wagering attention around the world.
“This program is intended to provide MLSPA members with informed understanding to minimize the risk of sporting integrity issues that can arise from gambling activities, as well as utilizing our considerable lived experience from facilitators who have elite sports backgrounds, who can also advise on the effects that gambling-related harm can have on an individual’s performance and welfare.”
This latest partnership marks yet another collaborative effort between Entain Foundation US and EPIC Risk Management. Last year, the pair announced a program with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
The duo continues to work closely with the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and have experience in MLS through their work with Chicago Fire FC.