Part-funded by the Entain Foundation, Epic Risk Management hopes to improve awareness of gambling risks and potential harms as sports betting continues to be legalised in over 30 states.  

As well as student-athletes, the programme will extend to coaches, game officials, healthcare personnel and support personnel. 

Epic Risk Management says it has been able to conduct 158 face-to-face education sessions across 46 colleges in 22 states across the US, reaching 8,000 NCAA collegiate athletes and staff.  

Stan Wilcox, NCAA EVP for Regulatory Affairs, said: “We are pleased that this collaboration has reached so many student-athletes. 

“The risks associated with sports wagering are abundant, and the education provided by Epic Risk Management is invaluable for student-athletes, coaches, administrators and officials. We appreciate the teamwork to help protect the integrity of college sports and the well-being of everyone involved.” 

Entain SVP for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling and Trustee of Entain Foundation US, Martin Lycka, added: “Entain Foundation US is proud to support Epic Risk Management on the face-to-face delivery of problem gambling awareness and player protection workshops to NCAA college athletes across the country. 

“We are glad that the funding provided by Entain Foundation US has helped Epic, the global leader in the delivery of problem gambling education, to have such a huge impact on one of the highest-risk populations.” 

The Entain Foundation’s funding of Epic Risk Management comes as part of a $132m investment pledge to support responsible gambling initiatives over the next five years.