Epic Risk Management and the Entain Foundation, the charitable arm of Entain, have formed a brand new partnership to introduce an educational initiative focused on raising awareness about gambling-related harm among Major League Soccer (MLS) players. The collaboration involves working alongside the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) to provide valuable information and resources for the league’s players.
Epic Risk Management and the Entain Foundation have founded a new initiative designed to raise awareness about gambling-related harm among Major League Soccer (MLS) players.
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Safer Gambling Awareness Campaign Set to Last Three Years
In a collaborative effort to address gambling-related issues in Major League Soccer (MLS), Epic Risk Management and the Entain Foundation US, the charitable arm of Entain, have joined forces for a new educational initiative. The program aims to provide MLS players with comprehensive knowledge and awareness about gambling harm, promoting responsible gambling practices within the league.
Through a partnership with the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA), which represents the collective interests of MLS players, Epic and Entain will implement a three-year initiative. This program will offer tailored educational programs and resources designed to raise awareness of gambling harm and provide guidance to players.
As part of the initiative, Epic Risk Management will conduct workshops focused on gambling harm prevention and awareness. Additionally, a range of prevention and advisory resources will be made available to all MLSPA members, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the MLS community.
With 29 teams currently in the MLS, including 26 in the United States and three in Canada, the league is set to expand to 30 teams in the 2025 season, with the addition of a new club in San Diego, California. The collaboration between Epic Risk Management, the Entain Foundation US, and the MLSPA will contribute to fostering a safer and more responsible gambling environment within the MLS and promote the well-being of players.
Educating Athletes is Vital in Light of Rise of Sports Betting Popularity in US
Commenting on the partnership, Ben McGregor, the director of sports partnerships at Epic, expressed anticipation for the implementation of a nationwide program aimed at delivering essential education and guidance regarding the continuously evolving connection between wagering and professional sports in the United States:
“We are looking forward to delivering this national program to provide crucial education and advice regarding the ever-growing relationship between wagering and professional sports in the US.”– Ben McGregor, Director of Sports Partnerships, Epic Risk Management,Press Release
Martin Lycka, the senior vice president for American regulatory affairs and responsible gambling at Entain, emphasized the significance of the agreement. Acknowledging the substantial and continuous growth in the popularity of sports betting nationwide, Lycka highlighted the paramount importance of educating both athletes and the general public:
“Given the significant ongoing rise in the popularity of sports betting throughout the country, the importance of educating athletes and the public at large cannot be overstated.”– Martin Lycka, Senior Vice President, Entain,Press Release
Dan Jones, the chief operating officer of the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA), reiterated how the partnership will contribute to strengthening their capacity to educate and empower their player pool in light of the ever-evolving presence and associated risks of sports betting:
“This partnership will enhance our ability to educate and equip our player pool as the presence and inherent risks of sports betting continue to evolve and permeate players’ lives. We look forward to working alongside them to ensure players have access to crucial education, resources and support.”– Dan Jones, Chief Operating Officer, Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA),Press Release
Greentube and Entain Debuted Together in Ontario in December 2022
Greentube, the renowned online casino and iGaming provider, made its entry into the highly profitable Ontario betting market through an exclusive B2B partnership with Entain back in December 2022. This collaboration allows Greentube’s offerings to reach betting enthusiasts in Ontario who are located within the Canadian province, via popular Entain brands including BetMGM, PartyCasino, and Bwin.
The strategic partnership follows Greentube’s successful acquisition of a supplier license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) in 2022. With the launch in Ontario, Greentube expands its presence in Canada, leveraging its existing operations in provinces such as British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
The move into Ontario presents a significant opportunity for Greentube to tap into the province’s thriving betting market and cater to the diverse preferences of Ontario’s gambling enthusiasts. Greentube’s commercial director David Bolas hailed the news as a huge symbolic step for the operator:
“This launch in Ontario with BetMGM, PartyCasino and Bwin is the latest vital milestone for Greentube. As a market debut, it represents the next significant step in delivering our North American strategy and underlines the importance of our key relationship with Entain.”– David Bolas, Commercial Director, Greentube,Press Release
Mindway AI Signed Comprehensive Safer Gambling Deal in May 2023
Mindway AI, a leading player protection solutions provider, took a significant step towards enhancing responsible gambling measures across the United States in May 2023 through a new partnership with Doura-Schawohl Consulting. The collaboration aims to develop robust policies for responsible gambling, with a primary focus on preventing gambling-related harm.
With this partnership, Doura-Schawohl Consulting will contribute its expertise in safer gambling policies within the US, offering valuable insights and guidance. Meanwhile, Mindway AI will leverage its extensive knowledge in the fields of neuroscience, artificial intelligence (AI), and psychology to support the development of effective responsible gambling measures.
The joint efforts of Mindway AI and Doura-Schawohl Consulting demonstrate a commitment to prioritizing player protection and promoting responsible gambling practices throughout the United States. By combining their respective areas of expertise, they aim to establish a comprehensive framework that fosters a safe and enjoyable gambling environment while mitigating the risks associated with excessive or harmful gambling behavior.
Brianne Doura-Schawohl, founder and CEO of Doura-Schawohl Consulting, thinks the two’s work will expand the scope of responsible gambling policy considerably:
“I’m so excited to work with such an innovative and respected organization on a global scale. Our work together will broaden the horizons of policymakers in the US and internationally. The gambling world needs to constantly evolve and modernize, especially in the areas of harm reduction and prevention, and this partnership will merge principles of data science and global policy expertise to benefit the entire industry.”
