The National Football League on Wednesday announced a partnership with the International Center for Responsible Gaming to address growing concerns around gambling behaviors among college athletes and students.
The NFL Foundation will contribute $600,000 over three years to support independent, peer-reviewed research led by the ICRG to explore the prevalence, risk factors, and effects of gambling behaviors in these populations.
“We’re proud to partner with the ICRG to advance research that can drive meaningful solutions and address a critical gap in the understanding of gambling behaviors among college athletes and students,” NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson said in a statement. “This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting responsible gambling and fostering a safe and supportive environment for athletes, fans, and communities.”
According to a news release, while initial studies have indicated that college athletes may be at higher risk for gambling problems, there remains a lack of comprehensive, current data on how college populations interact with online sports betting platforms. The NFL-ICRG initiative will empower independent researchers to explore a range of topics with the goal of informing data-driven prevention strategies, education, and policies aimed at reducing gambling-related harm.
Grant applications will be peer-reviewed prior to the selection of the final recipient by the ICRG Independent Scientific Advisory Board.
The NFL also will pay for an update to the ICRG’s “Talking with Children About Gambling” educational resources to equip parents, coaches, and educators with practical guidance to help prevent youth gambling exposure before college. Educational materials will be available online and distributed to schools, community sports organizations, and youth programs nationwide.
“The NFL has once again demonstrated its commitment to player and fan protection by supporting this critical research targeting young adults,” said ICRG President Arthur Paikowsky. “The NFL and ICRG together will make a meaningful contribution to understanding and implementing policies and programs that support a safer gambling environment.”
