Entain launches US college sports betting education scheme
FTSE 100 operator ramps up responsible gambling initiatives in response to burgeoning sports betting market
Entain has launched an education initiative for college sports stars around the growing presence of sports betting and igaming in the US.
The program was formed by Entain Foundation US, in partnership with EPIC Risk Management, and will initially reach more than 40 colleges across the country.
The initiative will focus on education and awareness, as well as the need to keep safe while gambling, as the nascent US market continues to grow at an exponential rate.
Colleges such as Harvard, Monmouth University in New Jersey and the University of Ohio have signed up to the scheme, with Entain and EPIC planning to add new colleges throughout 2021.
The program is part of Entain’s pledge to invest $132m over the next five years into responsible gambling initiatives.
Martin Lycka, Entain SVP US regulatory affairs and RG, said: “We know from international experience that the most successful sports betting operators are also the most responsible.
“As legalized sports betting continues to expand in the US, education and responsible gaming is a top priority. We are excited to expand our partnership with EPIC to reach colleges across the country to educate young people,” he added.
John Millington, EPIC Risk Management VP US operations, noted that college students were a “potentially high-risk” demographic as he lauded the importance of the scheme.
Millington said: “Our collaboration with the Entain Foundation represents a key strategic piece of our prevention pillar, and it is great that so many organizations are recognizing the importance of education and awareness for this potentially high-risk population.”