The NFL renewed its commitment to responsible gambling in the US sports betting market, extending its partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Announced Thursday, the three-year, $6.4 million agreement continues efforts to address issues surrounding NFL betting amid the burgeoning sports betting landscape. The NFL’s commitment comes at a critical time for the league, which handed down 10 gambling-related suspensions last year and announced additional gambling awareness training for its 32 teams.
“Our ongoing partnership with the NCPG underscores our commitment to responsible gambling,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility. “We’re leveraging our platform to support vital educational resources and help prevent problem gambling.”
NFL commitment on betting doubles NCPG record
The funding builds on an initial $6.2 million the NFL granted the NCPG in 2021, which was the largest in the nonprofit organization’s history.
That funding proved instrumental in transforming the National Problem Gambling Helpline with significant upgrades in technology, staffing, and data collection across its 28 contact centers, according to the release. This included unifying the 1-800-GAMBLER number nationwide, allowing for seamless routing across different states, which NCPG said led to a 104% increase in usage from 2020 to 2023.
NFL to develop grant program
The renewed responsible gambling partnership focuses on continuing to modernize the helpline and expanding the NFL-backed Agility Grants program.
Targeting underserved communities, Agility Grants support initiatives like the Hispanic Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program campaign in Cleveland and Freedom House of Mecklenburg’s gambling prevention curriculum for public schools in Charlotte.
“We are profoundly grateful for the NFL’s renewed investment in NCPG, which will enable us to grow the essential prevention, education and awareness initiatives that were established through their initial grant,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director.
“This partnership has been instrumental in advancing our mission of minimizing gambling related harm. We look forward to building on the significant progress we’ve made together over the past three years and exploring new avenues for impact.”
