NFL Extends Safer Gambling Partnership with NCPG

The National Football League (NFL) has unveiled an extension to its safer gambling partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). The extended agreement will continue the two bodies’ focus on protecting vulnerable consumers from harm.

The three-year extension of the existing deal will see the NFL Foundation commit $6.4 million to the NCPG, highlighting its proactive approach to tackling problem gambling. The new arrangement follows in the shoes of the original three-year deal that saw the NFL donate another $6.2 million to the NCPG.

The original donation was the largest in the council’s 50-year history, which further highlights the importance of the extended tie-up. The new grant, according to the official announcement, will enable the continued expansion of NCPG’s critical initiatives.

The NFL’s funding supports three core NCPG initiatives:

• Modernizing the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER)
• Developing and implementing the Agility Grants program
• Awareness efforts to educate fans and the public on responsible gambling practices. 

Since the initial grant, the NCPG has significantly modernized the National Problem Gambling Helpline. Thanks to the money provided by the NFL Foundation, the council has been able to hire more people and improve its technological capabilities. The money has also enabled the US-wide licensing for the 1-800-GAMBLER number.

Additionally, the NFL’s contribution has helped the NCPG maintain its Agility Grants program, filling gaps in problem gambling prevention programming across the United States. Last but not least, the money has vastly supported the NCPG’s efforts to raise awareness of the safer gambling practices customers can adopt to shield themselves from harm.

Representatives Are Excited about the Renewed Deal

Anna Isaacson, SVP of social responsibility at the NFL, commented on the extended deal, saying that it underscores the vital impact of the NCPG’s work and the league’s ongoing commitment to advocate for and support responsible gambling initiatives.

We are proud to leverage our platform and resources with NCPG’s expertise to raise awareness, provide education and help prevent problem gambling. We look forward to our continued partnership with NCPG and expanding the reach of their impactful programs.

Anna Isaacson, SVP of social responsibility, NFL

In the meantime, Keith Whyte, executive director of the NCPG, said that his team is “profoundly grateful” to the NCPG for its renewed investment.

This partnership has been instrumental in advancing our mission of minimizing gambling related harm. We look forward to building on the significant progress we’ve made together over the past three years and exploring new avenues for impact.

Keith Whyte, exec director, NCPG

Speaking of the NFL, the NFLPA just took DraftKings to court over alleged breach of contract violations.