PAC Partners with EPIC Global Solutions to Combat Gambling Risks
The Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) has made history as the first NCAA Division III conference to partner with EPIC Global Solutions, a problem gambling consultancy. The collaboration aims to protect student-athletes and staff from the growing risks of gambling-related harm through education and tailored consultancy.
A First-of-Its-Kind Initiative
The PAC’s agreement with EPIC aims to address gambling issues in collegiate sports. This initiative includes a six-month consultancy program designed to equip athletic directors and staff across PAC member schools with tools to recognize and address gambling risks.
The program’s centerpiece will be a presentation at the PAC’s annual conference, where EPIC consultants, many of whom are former NCAA athletes with firsthand experience of gambling addiction, will share their insights.
PAC Commissioner Joe Onderko emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating:
“Since sports betting became legal and so accessible online, the PAC and administrators in our conference have been searching for a way to educate our student-athletes and staff about the potential dangers of online gambling. This partnership with EPIC Global Solutions will help provide our conference schools with the tools to help our athletes be better informed about possible issues that can be brought on by online gambling.”
Why This Matters
Student-athletes are at a statistically higher risk of encountering gambling-related harm, given their competitive nature, access to disposable income, and the growing prevalence of sports betting.
The PAC’s collaboration with EPIC addresses these vulnerabilities head-on by raising awareness and equipping institutions to mitigate risks effectively.
The program also includes a gambling readiness guide tailored to PAC colleges, providing essential information about legalized sports betting and highlighting specific risks relevant to collegiate athletics.
Leveraging Experience for Education
EPIC’s educational approach draws on real-life experiences. Presenters, often former NCAA athletes who struggled with gambling addiction, provide a relatable and impactful perspective on how gambling can negatively affect student-athletes during and after their college careers.
EPIC VP of Partnerships Mike Holinski highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating:
“There has been plenty of recent discussion around sports wagering involving student-athletes, so this is a timely collaboration. We commend the PAC for taking additional steps to ensure that every individual within their competition is receiving additional information on the kind of threats they may face while competing in sports with significant public interest.”
Broader Impact of EPIC’s Work
Since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, sports betting has grown exponentially, increasing the need for education around its risks.
Over the past three years, EPIC has delivered in-person educational sessions to more than 71,000 student-athletes and staff from over 200 colleges across the U.S.
The partnership with the PAC adds to EPIC’s mission of fostering safer sports environments by addressing gambling harms at the collegiate level.
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