NFL Expands Role with National Council on Problem Gambling

The NFL is expanding on its partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to promote responsible betting.

The league announced an extensive responsible betting public awareness program designed to educate fans on gambling responsibly. Key messaging points include sticking to a game plan, setting a budget to know limits, using licensed and regulated operators and asking for help if they need it. The main message of the campaign is “Stick to your game plan. Always bet responsibly.”

The NFL’s Role

"We feel it is critical that the NFL uses the power of our voice to educate and encourage fans who choose to bet to do so in a safe and responsible way," Christopher Halpin, NFL Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, said in a media release.

"We also recognize that responsible betting programs across the country are under-resourced, especially as legalization spreads nationwide. Collectively, all of us in the sports and betting industries need to learn from international examples and make sure the development of education and support programs matches the state-by-state growth in legalized sports betting. In collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling and our commercial partners, the league is fully committed to advancing responsible betting awareness, education, and problem-gambling support."

As part of the initiative, the NFL is making a multimillion-dollar, multi-year pledge to grow its partnership with the NCPG. The NCPG is one of the leading advocacy groups committed to addressing problem gambling through public education programs and help services.

Funding from the NFL will be put towards launching a national grant program to fund enhanced services offered by local and statewide providers, in addition to innovative prevention programs.

The league’s support will also assist the national problem gambling helpline system and allow for new communication tools, including a new website, www.responsibleplay.org, which will give the public quick tips about betting safely and support resources for those in need.

"The National Council on Problem Gambling is pleased to partner with the NFL to shine a light on the importance of responsible betting," Keith Whyte, National Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director, said in a media release.

"With this partnership, we are able to exponentially enhance the NCPG's ability to provide advocacy, awareness, and assistance on problem gambling. The NFL's far-reaching initiative demonstrates its strong commitment to being an industry leader in raising awareness. The league's support of our advocacy efforts will help fund new communications initiatives, such as ResponsiblePlay.org and a PSA about problem gambling, expand gambling prevention services where they are most needed, and modernize our National Problem Gambling Helpline operations with updated capabilities."

Fans will begin to see the NFL’s responsible gaming campaign roll out in stadiums, online, in print and across social media. This fall, the league’s safe gambling messaging will be run on national and local television advertisements. The NFL is also working with teams to spread awareness and education at the local level.

NFL Safe Betting Partners

The NFL’s sports betting partners are also taking part in the league’s responsible gaming initiative.

Caesars Entertainment, DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook will collaborate with the NFL on information sharing and support the NFL’s responsible betting efforts, as part of the league’s agreements with each operator.