MLS Players Association Signs Partnership for Gambling Awareness Education

• MLS Players Association has partnered with Entain Foundation U.S. and EPIC Risk Management to provide gambling awareness education
• The partnership is for three years
• Will provide customized gambling harm education, awareness programs, and awareness programs for MLS athletes

The MLS Players Association is looking to give its athletes additional education on sports betting and gambling awareness as the association announced a three-year partnership with EPIC Risk Management and Entain Foundation U.S.

EPIC Risk Management and Entain Foundation U.S. will provide gambling awareness educational programs, advisory resources, and harm prevention education for MLS athletes through the 2025 season.

“This partnership with EPIC Risk Management and Entain Foundation U.S will enhance our ability to educate and equip our player pool as the presence and inherent risks of sports betting continue to evolve and permeate players’ lives,” said MLSPA COO Dan Jones.

Entain Foundation U.S., launched in 2019 by the Entain Global Foundation and the Entain Group, sponsors a variety of information and education programs on problem gambling throughout the United States.

Sports Betting Awareness Key for Athletes

As sports betting incidents continue to increase with professional sports athletes, the MLS is hoping to educate its players on the inherent risks of participating in the activity.

“We look forward to working alongside them to ensure players have access to crucial education, resources and support,” Jones said.

The MLS had its own incident in May, as a Colorado Rapids player was suspended from team activities after alleged “unlawful sports gambling.” Max Alves of the Rapids allegedly accepted a payment to receive a yellow card in a match against the LA Galaxy last season.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The gambling education program and associated resources will be made available to all 29 MLS teams, which will expand to 30 for the 2025 season, and address issues such as gambling harm prevention, problem gaming, and sports integrity.

“Given the significant ongoing rise in the popularity of sports betting throughout the country, the importance of educating athletes and the public at large cannot be overstated. We are glad that the funding provided by Entain Foundation U.S. has helped EPIC, a global leader in the delivery of problem gambling education, to have such a huge impact on one of the highest-risk populations,” said Martin Lycka, Senior Vice President for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling and Trustee of Entain Foundation U.S

Working With Other Leagues

EPIC Risk Management and Entain Foundation U.S. currently have education programs with the NCAA, the National Football League Players Association, and already have experience with Major League Soccer through their work with Chicago Fire FC.

“This is an important new step in our relationship with the Major Leagues in the U.S. and we’re delighted to extend upon our existing soccer partnerships around the world by working with the MLSPA, leading players and teams from the MLS,” said Ben McGregor, director of sports partnerships at EPIC Risk Management.