Research funding of $600,000 allocated by the NFL towards examining gambling habits among university students
Posted on: June 4, 2025, 03:46h.
Last updated on:** June 4, 2025, 03:46h.
Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO | Asia Pacific Gaming | Commercial Gaming | Legislation | PoliticsThe NFL is pouring $600,000 into examining college students’ gambling habits
College students and athletes face enhanced gambling risksThe International Center for Responsible Gaming receives NFL's funding
Blimey, the National Football League (NFL) is diving headfirst into a multiyear exploration of gambling habits among college athletes and students—bring on the statistics!
Prepare for some proper academic-approved snooping into the nitty-gritty of college gambling behaviors, as today the NFL Foundation has announced a three-year investment of $600,000 towards independent, peer-reviewed research. The International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) will lead the studies, shedding light on this critical topic.
So what's all the fuss about? These investigations will delve into the prevalence, risk factors, and myriad impacts of gambling behaviors among college students. As it stands, student-athletes are at a higher risk of developing gambling problems, with sports betting being a significant contributory factor. The NFL-ICRG collaboration will mobilize researchers to pioneer data-driven preventive strategies, education, and policies designed to minimize gambling-related harm.
Sounds like a top-notch move to us, mate. Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility, expresses enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "We're damn chuffed to partner with the ICRG to steer research that could spur meaningful solutions and tackle a crucial gap in comprehending gambling behaviors among college athletes and students."
NFL's Dedication to Responsible Gambling
Since embracing sports betting following the U.S. Supreme Court's groundbreaking decision in May 2018, which dismantled a federal law confining single-game sports wagering to Nevada, the NFL has dedicated substantial resources to endorsing responsible betting.
Last year, the NFL flung a whopping $6.4 million at the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to help the nonprofit propagate its 1-800-GAMBLER helpline nationwide. Funds also financed grants for underserved communities battling gambling issues and awareness campaigns like ResponsiblePlay.org.
The NFL's recent donation to the NCPG followed a $6.2 million contribution in October 2021.
The NFL's most recent gift to the ICRG will provide the boost necessary to fund studies examining gambling patterns among college students and updates to educational materials, such as "Talking with Children About Gambling."
ICRG: Promoting Scientific Research and Education
Founded in '96, the ICRG's prime directive is to assist individuals and families grapple with gambling disorders while preventing gambling issues from manifesting in the first place. Through scientific research and evidence-based educational programming, the ICRG aims to make a worldwide impact.
Since its inception, the ICRG has received approximately $40 million from casino companies, gaming equipment manufacturers, sports betting firms, tribal casinos, and related organizations—a testament to the far-reaching support for the center's mission.
Last month alone, Caesars Entertainment contributed a cool $200,000 to the ICRG. Funds will be allocated to research probing the biological and psychological underpinnings of gambling, as well as the ICRG’s annual Conference on Gambling and Addiction in October at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas.
- The NFL has announced a $600,000 investment for a three-year gambling research study.
- The study on college students' gambling habits will be led by the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG).
- The research aims to explore the prevalence, risk factors, and impacts of gambling behaviors among college students.
- College students and athletes are prone to enhanced gambling risks, with sports betting being a significant factor.
- The study will mobilize researchers to create data-driven preventive strategies, education, and policies to minimize gambling-related harm.
- Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility, expressed excitement about the collaboration.
- The NFL has dedicated substantial resources to promoting responsible gambling since the 2018 Supreme Court decision on sports betting.
- Last year, the NFL invested $6.4 million in the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to support awareness campaigns and community grants.
- The ICRG, founded in 1996, promotes scientific research and evidence-based educational programming to prevent gambling issues and help those affected by gambling addiction.
