Major League Baseball, Epic Global Solutions, and Entain Foundation U.S. Thursday announced a program to address gambling issues among minor league players.
Per the partnership, Epic will provide educational sessions focused on responsible gambling and mental health for minor league players and other personnel selected by MLB. Entain Foundation U.S. will offer financial support and other backing to assist sessions delivered by Epic.
“We believe that EPIC’s program facilitators, including an ex-minor leaguer, will communicate critical insights on gambling-harm prevention in relatable and compelling ways,” said MLB Vice President of Sports Betting & Compliance Quest Meeks in a statement.
“Our younger minor league players in particular are coming into the league at a time when mobile sports betting is an increasingly prominent part of the sports ecosystem. We want to help those players avoid gambling-related pitfalls that can derail not only their careers, but also their day-to-day lives.”
The partnership broadens an ongoing collaboration between Epic and Entain Foundation U.S. to educate the public on gambling-harm prevention. Entain Foundation U.S. sponsors information and educational programs on problem gambling for professional and collegiate athletes and coaches, multiple sports organizations, and various teams at U.S. universities.
“We must take a preventative approach to gambling harm, particularly those involved in sports, so educating the baseball community on responsible-gambling practices is a critical measure,” said Entain Senior Vice President for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling Martin Lycka, also a trustee of Entain Foundation U.S.
Programs through the partnership are scheduled to begin in 2024, when Epic will visit minor league teams during spring training.
