NFL teams up with the Responsible Gambling Council

The duo will introduce a new training program for student-athletes in Canada.

The National Football League (NFL) has announced a new collaboration with the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) to develop and launch a student-athlete training program at select Canadian universities.

This initiative aims to educate young athletes—who are often at higher risk for problematic gambling behaviors—on responsible gambling and techniques to prevent gambling-related issues. The program incorporates a self-assessment framework to evaluate its effectiveness and guide improvements for future initiatives.

Initially, the program will be piloted at eight Canadian universities during the spring term. Based on insights from the pilot phase, adjustments will be made before expanding the program to 30 universities across Canada.

Anna Isaacson, Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility at the NFL, expressed her thoughts on the initiative, stating: “We are honored to collaborate with the Responsible Gambling Council on this crucial program.

“Our mutual aim is to provide student-athletes with the skills and information they need to manage gambling-related risks, creating a safer and more responsible environment. Additionally, we hope the insights gained from this effort will play a key role in shaping future responsible gambling strategies, benefiting everyone who participates in or supports our game as fans.”

Recently, Aristocrat introduced NFL-themed slot machines at 13 casinos across Puerto Rico.

RGC CEO Sarah McCarthy also weighed in, stating: “Student-athletes face distinct challenges stemming from academic demands, athletic commitments, and the accessibility of sports betting, which can increase their vulnerability to risky gambling behaviors.”

“Our collaboration with the NFL is a vital step in supporting this group by equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed choices. Early education on responsible gambling empowers student-athletes to succeed both on and off the field.”

For the RGC, this initiative builds on its 2021 partnership with Entain in Ontario, which was established ahead of the province’s regulatory changes in 2022. That same year, the RGC also partnered with ThinkTV to launch a safer gambling public service announcement in Ontario.