The NFL is partnering with the International Center for Responsible Gaming to fund research and educational resources aimed at addressing growing concerns around gambling among college athletes and students.
The league will contribute $600,000 over three years through the NFL Foundation to support independent, peer-reviewed research exploring the prevalence, risk factors, and impacts of gambling in college settings, according to a release issued Wednesday. The initiative will also fund updates to ICRG’s existing educational materials aimed at preventing youth gambling exposure before college.
“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,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility. “This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting responsible gambling and fostering a safe and supportive environment for athletes, fans, and communities.”
ICRG’s grant selection process will involve peer-reviewed applications, with final recipients chosen by the organization’s Independent Scientific Advisory Board. Educational materials will be distributed nationally to parents, educators, and community sports groups.
NCAA parries harassment, scandals
According to the NCAA, one in three high-profile college athletes has received abusive messages from someone with a betting interest.
Those concerns have been compounded by a string of betting investigations involving college athletes and staff. In Iowa, a state probe led to criminal charges against dozens of athletes and NCAA penalties for Iowa State football staffers who placed bets on Cyclones games. Federal and NCAA investigations are also ongoing at Temple, Fresno State, and Eastern Michigan, where players have been linked to potential betting violations.
In response, the NCAA has ramped up its lobbying efforts and public messaging. Earlier this year, it launched the “Draw the Line” campaign to combat harassment, including an educational video and renewed calls for states to ban college player prop bets. President Charlie Baker has also urged Congress to ban college player props nationwide and called for more aggressive enforcement against illegal sportsbooks targeting college athletes.
NFL builds on responsible gaming efforts
The new ICRG partnership adds to the NFL’s growing slate of responsible gambling initiatives. The league has previously worked with the National Council on Problem Gambling and the Responsible Gambling Council, including efforts to educate fans and promote safeguards as legal sports betting expands.
In addition to funding research, the NFL’s latest effort aims to provide tools for coaches and parents to intervene earlier. The ICRG’s updated educational toolkit, “Talking with Children About Gambling,” will be made widely available online and through local youth programs.
The NFL said its goal is to inform policies and prevention strategies “aimed at reducing gambling-related harm.”
