NCAA Extends EPIC Partnership to Bolster Gambling Harm Education Through 2027
The NCAA and EPIC Global Solutions announced an extension of their gambling harm education program on Thursday, reinforcing their joint effort to shield student-athletes and uphold college sports integrity. This renewed collaboration, now set to run through 2027, builds on a partnership that’s been tackling sports betting risks since January 2022.
A Proven Program Expands
Since its start, the NCAA-EPIC initiative has reached over 80,000 student-athletes across more than 270 campuses in all three divisions, making it the world’s largest program of its kind. In-person sessions, led by EPIC’s experts, draw on real-life experiences to highlight gambling’s pitfalls.
NCAA President Charlie Baker praised the approach, stating, “Their lived experience education model is helpful for our student-athletes to hear stories about the pitfalls of sports betting from people who were once in their shoes as elite athletes.”
The program’s impact shows in the numbers. Post-session surveys from the past year reveal that 96% of student-athletes and 98% of staff reported good or excellent awareness of gambling harms after attending.
To keep content relevant, EPIC has also held focus groups with athletes and staff, tailoring future talks to current needs. Now, the NCAA will fully fund these sessions through 2027, adding new topics like social media harassment, competition integrity, and betting’s mental health effects.
Why It Matters
With gambling surging across the U.S., the stakes are high. EPIC CEO Paul Buck underscored the urgency, saying, “At a time of unprecedented growth of gambling in the USA, it is imperative that higher-risk populations receive high-quality education and awareness around the potential of harm.” He noted that this protects both athletes and the fairness of NCAA events, commending the Association’s long-term commitment.
The NCAA sees education as a frontline defense. Baker emphasized that safeguarding student-athletes from bad actors and preserving competition integrity remain top priorities. By extending this partnership, the organization ensures its members have the tools to navigate a tricky wagering landscape.
The NCAA national office works hand-in-hand with member schools to refine best practices for addressing sports betting challenges. This extension with EPIC, a consultancy operating in 33 countries and known for harm minimization, enhances that effort. Beyond athlete sessions, EPIC brings expertise from working with gambling operators and stakeholders worldwide, adding depth to the program.
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