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Major League Baseball (MLB), Entain Foundation US, and EPIC Global Solution have jumped on a trio-partnership deal to create a program aimed at educating minor league players on the risks associated with gambling.
Ben McGregor, director of sports partnerships at EPIC Global Solutions commented in an Entain Foundation US press release:
“We are pleased to be able to support baseball to take a proactive stance on player protection against gambling-related harm through our innovative lived experience approach, sharing the stories of those who have experienced gambling disorder firsthand.”
“Working with such an iconic American institution provides a unique opportunity to not only help the players connected to every franchise but also the wider supporter base across the country, who can learn more about the potential effects of gambling harm through the increased profile this program will generate.”
Partnership program to feature educational sessions
As part of the collaboration, EPIC Global Solutions, which is a gambling harm consultancy company, will provide educational materials and conduct sessions specifically tailored for minor league players and a selected group of MLB personnel.
These sessions aim to impart knowledge on responsible gambling practices and also address the critical aspect of mental health in the context of sports.
On the other hand, Entain Foundation US, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible gambling and sports integrity, will finance these sessions being facilitated by EPIC Global Solutions.
According to the Vice President of Sports Betting & Compliance at the MLB, Quest Meeks, believes the program is ready to transform league players, as one of its facilitators of the session includes an ex-minor league player.
“We believe that EPIC’s impressive program facilitators, including an ex-minor leaguer, will communicate critical insights on gambling harm prevention in relatable and compelling ways. Our younger minor league players in particular are coming into the league at a time when mobile sports betting is an increasingly prominent part of the sports ecosystem.
We want to help those players avoid gambling-related pitfalls that can derail not only their careers but also their day-to-day lives more generally.”
This initiative commences in 2024 when EPIC will visit Minor League teams during their spring training.
Entain Foundation US expands on pre-existing partnership
This new collaboration expands an already existing partnership between Entain and EPIC Global Solutions.
In their previous collaboration, Entain took the lead in sponsoring programs dedicated to providing educational resources on the topic of problem gambling. Now, with this new phase of collaboration, the partnership is ready to reach new heights, leveraging a combined expertise.
Martin Lycka, Entain’s senior vice president for American regulatory affairs and responsible gambling and trustee of Entain Foundation US, said:
“Entain Foundation US is proud to support EPIC Risk Management’s effort to educate the Major League Baseball community about problem gambling. We must take a preventative approach to gambling harm, particularly those involved in sports, so educating the baseball community on responsible gambling practices is a critical measure.”
State entities and private gambling enterprises alike have recently intensified their collaborative efforts to address problem gambling and foster a more secure gaming environment. This collective commitment is evident in the latest responsible betting initiative spearheaded by prominent sports leagues such as the NBA, NHL, and MLB.
In May of this year, the NHL Alumni Association and Entain signed a three-year partnership that will support the foundation’s efforts to promote responsible gaming.
