Major League Baseball (MLB)has partnered with EPIC Global SolutionsandEntain Foundation U.S.to enhance its educational efforts aimed at Minor League playersregarding the prevention of gambling-related harm.
EPIC will provide lived experience educational sessions focusing on responsible gaming and mental health for Minor League players and other selected MLB staff members. Meanwhile, Entain Foundation U.S., Entain's non-profit subsidiary, will offer financial support and additional resources for conducting these sessions.
"We believe that EPIC's impressive program facilitators, including an ex-minor leaguer, will communicate critical insights on gambling harm prevention in relatable and compelling ways," said Quest Meeks, Vice President, Sports Betting & Compliance at MLB.
"Our younger minor league players in particular are coming into the league at a time when mobile sports betting is an increasingly prominent part of the sports ecosystem. We want to help those players avoid gambling-related pitfalls that can derail not only their careers, but also their day-to-day lives more generally."
"We are pleased to be able to support baseball to take a proactive stance on player protection against gambling-related harm through our innovative lived experience approach, sharing the stories of those who have experienced gambling disorder firsthand," said Ben McGregor, director of sports partnerships at EPIC Global Solutions.
"Working with such an iconic American institution provides a unique opportunity to not only help the players connected to every franchise, but also the wider supporter base across the country, who can learn more about the potential effects of gambling harm through the increased profile this program will generate. We thank Major League Baseball and Entain Foundation U.S. for providing this platform for wider awareness."
This new three-way collaboration expands the ongoing relationship between EPIC Global Solutions and Entain Foundation U.S., to educate the public on preventing gambling-related harm. Entain Foundation U.S. already funds educational and awareness programs about gambling issues for professional and college athletes, coaches, and teams across the United States, as well as various sports organizations.
"Entain Foundation U.S. is proud to support EPIC Risk Management's effort to educate the Major League Baseball community about problem gambling," saidMartin Lycka, Entain's Senior Vice President for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling and Trustee of Entain Foundation U.S.
"We must take a preventative approach to gambling harm, particularly those involved in sports, so educating the baseball community on responsible gambling practices is a critical measure," he added.
The delivery model is expected to commence in 2024, when EPIC will visit Minor League teams during Spring Training.
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