NFL to spend $6.2m on responsible gambling campaign

The league is encouraging fans to set limits on their wagers, understand betting risks and know when to ask for help.

US.- The NFL has announced that it will spend $6.2m to help expand programmes to prevent or treat problem gambling in the US. The league is launching a responsible betting campaign, encouraging fans to set limits on their wagers, understand betting risks and know when to ask for help.

Partnered with the National Council on Problem Gambling, the NFL wants to improve the group’s nationwide helpline, create new treatment programmes and expand existing ones.

Christopher Halpin, the NFL’s executive vice president, chief strategy and growth officer said: “Sports betting is supposed to be fun. We feel it is critical that the NFL uses the power of our voice to educate and encourage fans who choose to gamble to do so in a safe and responsible way.

“We also recognize that responsible betting programs across the country are under-resourced, especially as legalization spreads nationwide.”

Keith Whyte, executive director of the council, added: “We will be able to help so many more people as a result of this. The NFL has set an example for the other professional sports leagues who also need to realize their obligation to address the downside of sports betting as much as they embrace the upside.”

According to the American Gaming Association, more than 45 million Americans said they planned to bet on NFL games this year, an increase of 36 per cent from last year.

See also: American Gaming Association predicts record bets on NFL season