NFL Donates $600,000 To Research College Athlete Gambling
The NFL has taken a significant stride towards promoting responsible gambling by collaborating with the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) to investigate gambling behaviors among college students and athletes. This partnership exemplifies the league’s commitment to safeguarding both players and fans in an era where sports betting is becoming increasingly popular.
The NFL Foundation has pledged an impressive $600,000 over three years for this initiative, which aims to uncover risk factors, develop prevention strategies, and explore the psychological impacts of sports betting on young adults. Arthur Paikowsky, President of the ICRG, emphasized the importance of this endeavor, stating, “The NFL has once again demonstrated its commitment to player and fan protection by supporting this critical research targeting young adults. Together, the NFL and ICRG will make a meaningful contribution to understanding and implementing policies that foster a safer gambling environment.”
A key component of the research involves enhancing the “Talking with Children About Gambling” campaign, which provides essential educational resources for parents, teachers, and coaches to guide youth towards responsible gambling behaviors.
NFL’s Commitment to Responsible Gambling
The NFL’s dedication to responsible gambling extends beyond just research. In 2021, the league partnered with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), donating $6.2 million to support their initiatives. An extension of this partnership in 2024 saw an additional $6.4 million contributed, marking the largest donation ever received by the NCPG. Furthermore, the NFL Foundation collaborates with the Responsible Gambling Council in Canada to implement training programs aimed at fostering responsible gambling practices among student-athletes at eight universities and colleges.
Anna Isaacson, NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility, commented on this partnership: “We’re proud to partner with the ICRG to advance research that can drive meaningful solutions and address a critical gap in understanding gambling behaviors among college athletes and students. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting responsible gambling and fostering a safe and supportive environment for athletes, fans, and communities.”
NFL: The Premier Sport for Betting
The NFL stands as the most popular sport for bettors, with sportsbooks reporting that it comprises approximately 40% of all sports wagers. The betting handle has witnessed tremendous growth over recent years, especially as more states legalize sports wagering. The following figures illustrate this upward trend:
| Year | Estimated NFL Betting Handle (US) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | ~$20 billion (season total) | COVID-19 year saw a sharp rise in mobile betting |
| 2021 | ~$50 billion+ | Growth driven by legalization in new states |
| 2022 | ~$80 billion+ | NFL recognized as the most-bet league in the U.S. |
| 2023 | ~$100 billion+ | Increased marketing by operators and app usage |
| 2024 | ~$115–120 billion (est.) | Expanded markets including Florida and Ohio |
Proposal for College Athletes to Bet on NFL
Currently, NCAA regulations prohibit college athletes from engaging in any betting activity, including betting on professional sports like the NFL. However, momentum is building for a proposal to deregulate betting on professional leagues, gaining favor within the NCAA. The Division I Board of Directors recently voted 21–1 to recommend that the Division I Council consider relaxing gambling restrictions.
Should the Division I Council approve this proposal, college athletes, coaches, and staff would be permitted to bet on professional sports, though betting on college events would remain prohibited. Notably, past scandals involving college athletes wagering on their own games have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Schools like Eastern Michigan and Iowa State have experienced flagging of unusual betting patterns.
While the idea of allowing college athletes to bet on professional sports may seem innocuous, it carries implications for betting behavior, particularly regarding college games. A former athletic staffer at the University of Georgia was terminated for violating NCAA betting rules, underlining the need for careful regulation in this area.
The NFL’s ongoing commitment to research in this domain could serve as a catalyst for shaping the future of NCAA betting regulations, ultimately informing policies that promote integrity and responsibility in sports gambling.
Author Bio: Adam Roarty is a seasoned writer with extensive experience in the gambling industry. He has contributed to platforms such as Oddschecker, CoinTelegraph, and Gambling Industry News, showcasing an in-depth understanding of sports betting and online gambling dynamics. Specializing in emerging trends and legislative changes in the U.S. betting landscape, Adam delivers valuable insights on prediction markets and related topics.
