
The comprehensive responsible gambling training program will launch with a pilot phase at eight universities and colleges across Canada in the upcoming 2025 spring semester.
Following this phase, insights and feedback will be used to refine and improve the program before it is rolled out to 30 universities and colleges in time for the 2025-26 academic year.
The RGC said that the feedback process would include a “robust evaluation framework to measure the effectiveness and impact of the training”.
Key learnings
Both the NFL and RGC are open to sharing the results and key learnings from the program with a broader audience to maximize its impact, given that previously published research.
“Student-athletes face unique pressures from academics, athletics, and the accessibility of sports betting, making them vulnerable to risky gambling behaviors,” RGC chief executive Sarah McCarthy said.
“Our partnership with the NFL is a crucial step in supporting this group by providing the education and tools needed to make informed decisions. Early responsible gambling education helps student-athletes build capacities to succeed both on and off the field.”
The program will be tailored to the specific student-athlete audience and will include an interactive session featuring videos and best practices for responsible gambling.
The aim of the scheme is to ensure student-athletes recognize their vulnerability to problem gambling, can identify the signs of gambling-related harms, and learn about relevant resources that are available.
Shared goal
Anna Isaacson, the NFL’s senior vice president of social responsibility, added: “We are proud to support the Responsible Gambling Council in this important initiative.
“Our shared goal is to equip these student-athletes with the tools and knowledge to navigate gambling risks, fostering a safer and more responsible environment. We also hope to gain insights that will be invaluable in shaping future responsible gambling efforts to benefit all those who play and engage with our game as fans.”
The NFL already has a partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling, which focuses on enhancing problem gambling prevention services and promoting responsible gambling initiatives in the United States.
Initiatives
Other initiatives have also been launched with the aim of providing support to the same audience.
In October 2023, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) launched its first sports betting e-learning module to educate student-athletes about gambling-related harm.
Just under a year later, the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) – founded by a collective of major operators – said that it planned to launch a college gambling education initiative in 2025.