NFL Partners with ICRG to Advance Research on Gambling Behaviors Among College Athletes and Students
In Addition to Research, the Partnership will Provide Funding from the NFL Foundation for Educational Resources to Help Prevent Youth Gambling Exposure
NEW YORK – June 4, 2025 – The National Football League (NFL) today announced a partnership with the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) to address growing concerns around gambling behaviors among college athletes and students. The NFL Foundation will contribute $600,000 over three years to support independent, peer-reviewed research being led by the ICRG that aims to explore the prevalence, risk factors, and impacts of gambling behaviors in these populations.
While initial studies have indicated that college athletes may be at higher risk for gambling problems, there remains a lack of comprehensive, current data on how college populations interact with online sports betting platforms. This NFL-ICRG initiative will empower independent researchers to explore a wide range of topics with the goal of informing data-driven prevention strategies, education, and policies aimed at reducing gambling-related harm. Grant applications will be peer-reviewed prior to the selection of the final recipient by the ICRG Independent Scientific Advisory Board.
Additionally, the NFL will fund an update to the ICRG’s “Talking with Children About Gambling” educational resources to equip parents, coaches, and educators with practical guidance to help prevent youth gambling exposure before college. Educational materials will be widely available online and distributed to schools, community sports organizations, and youth programs nationwide.
“We’re proud to partner with the ICRG to advance research that can drive meaningful solutions and address a critical gap in the understanding of gambling behaviors among college athletes and students,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility. “This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting responsible gambling and fostering a safe and supportive environment for athletes, fans, and communities.”
“The NFL has once again demonstrated its commitment to player and fan protection by supporting this critical research targeting young adults,” said Arthur Paikowsky, President of ICRG. “The NFL and ICRG together will make a meaningful contribution to understanding and implementing policies and programs that support a safer gambling environment.”
Strengthening the NFL’s Commitment to Responsible Gambling
The ICRG partnership builds on the NFL’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible gambling, complementing existing initiatives with organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC).
Through these partnerships, the NFL continues to demonstrate its commitment to addressing emerging challenges in the ever-evolving sports betting landscape and to providing fans, athletes and communities with the tools and resources they need to engage responsibly.
###
Media Contacts:
Alex Riethmiller, NFL, [email protected]
Arthur Paikowsky, ICRG, [email protected]
About the International Center for Responsible Gaming
The ICRG, for nearly 30 years, has been the leader in funding peer reviewed evidence-based scientific research to better understand gambling disorder and gambling problems. Our goal is to provide tools to the gambling industry to mitigate harm to players and to support responsible gambling practices. Funded research has been published over 500 times in some of the most prestigious journals in the world and research is being conducted in many countries across the globe. For more information, visit www.icrg.org.
