Epic Risk Management and the Entain Foundation US charitable arm of Entain have linked up on a new initiative to educate Major League Soccer (MLS) players about gambling harm.
Under the deal, Epic and Entain will work with the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA), the collective bargaining representative for MLS players.
The three-year program will include customized gambling harm education and awareness programs and advisory resources.
Epic will deliver gambling harm prevention education and awareness workshops. It will also make prevention resources, advisory resources and content available to the entire MLSPA membership.
The MLS features 29 teams, including 26 in the US and three in Canada. The competition will be expanded in the 2025 season to 30 teams with the addition of a new club in San Diego, California.
Importance of education
“We are looking forward to delivering this national program to provide crucial education and advice regarding the ever-growing relationship between wagering and professional sports in the US,” Epic’s director of sports partnerships Ben McGregor said.
Martin Lycka, senior vice pesident for American regulatory affairs and responsible gambling at Entain, also spoke about the importance of the deal.
“Given the significant ongoing rise in the popularity of sports betting throughout the country, the importance of educating athletes and the public at large cannot be overstated,” Lycka said.
MLSPA chief operating officer Dan Jones added: “This partnership will enhance our ability to educate and equip our player pool as the presence and inherent risks of sports betting continue to evolve and permeate players’ lives.
“We look forward to working alongside them to ensure players have access to crucial education, resources and support.”
Last year, Epic and Entain Foundation US also linked up with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in a similar educational partnership. In addition, the two parties work with the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA).