Epic Risk Management, the world’s leading independent gambling harm minimization consultancy, and GVC Holdings, one of the world’s largest sports-betting and gaming groups, have formed a partnership which aims to minimize gambling-related harm throughout the U.S., focusing on the sports industry in a series of education seminars.
The partnership, funded by GVC Foundation US, GVC’s unique nonprofit subsidiary dedicated to promoting responsible gambling, will replicate Epic’s successful European sports and education model. Programs will run in 14 locations across the U.S. in 2020 and 2021, covering New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, North Carolina, Colorado, DC, and the New England region.
It is estimated that 7 million U.S. adults suffer from gambling problems.
“As the leading provider of advisory and education in problem gambling, Epic Risk Management has done extraordinary work in Europe,” said Martin Lycka, trustee for GVC Foundation US and director of regulatory affairs at GVC Holdings. “Our partnership with Epic in locations throughout the U.S. will continue that impactful mission.”
The educational sessions will be provided to up-and-coming and professional athletes and will focus on lived experiences with problem gambling and the promotion of betting integrity. The program is fully funded by GVC Foundation US, which will provide $2.5 million in financing over the course of two years.
“For most people, gambling is entertainment,” said Paul Buck, CEO of Epic Risk Management. “But for a small percentage of people, it becomes uncontrolled, leading to devastating effects to both individuals and organizations. Epic is excited to partner with GVC Foundation US to work in the hardest-to-reach sectors to prevent gambling-related harm.”
“There’s no better way to address problem gambling than by combining hard-hitting, lived experience with industry research and expertise,” said William J. Pascrell, III, trustee at GVC Foundation US and partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group. “By addressing athletes and other at-risk groups throughout the country, we’ll aim to implement the cultural change needed for the protection of at-risk gamblers and growth of the industry as a whole.”
“Athletes, especially African American athletes, are at a higher risk of becoming problem gamblers than the average person,” said Amani Toomer, trustee at GVC Foundation US and former New York Giants wide receiver and Super Bowl XLII champion. “I view Epic’s program as crucial for maintaining integrity in sports.”
