As part of the deal, former National Football League (NFL) players will attend responsible gambling and sports integrity sessions, presented by former athletes on an ongoing basis.
It’s the first time the player association foundation, which provides former NFL players with financial assistance and counselling, has opted to run a problem gaming awareness program, marking the first US professional sports league to undertake the project.
Gambling harm minimization consultancy EPIC Management and operator GVC Holdings' US foundation will create the program content, tailored to meet the mental health needs of the former players, who may suffer from gambling problems once retired.
NFLPA Professional Athletes Foundation executive director Andre Collins said: “As the first major professional sports league in the US to undertake this project, we’re proud to tackle this issue head-on. We urge all sports leagues to address problem gambling with the seriousness it deserves.”
GVC Foundation US trustee and GVC Holdings director of regulatory affairs Martin Lycka added: “The gambling industry has a moral responsibility to look after consumers and ensure their wellbeing. Those with gambling disorders and addictive tendencies deserve our unyielding support, and this program is a perfect extension of our mission to provide that.”
Former New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer will help deliver the educational sessions, as a GVC Foundation US trustee.
