In Ireland, a gambling awareness initiative funded by Flutter Entertainment has reached over 1,250 football players within the League of Ireland as of April 2026. This educational programme, launched in January through a collaboration between the League of Ireland and EPIC Global Solutions, aims to mitigate gambling-related risks among players and football stakeholders. Its relevance is underscored by Ireland’s evolving regulatory framework for gambling operations.
The initiative encompasses teams across men’s and women’s divisions as well as academies. Within the first three months, it has engaged players, Football Association of Ireland (FAI) staff, and match officials. This programme is part of a broader three-year partnership, intending to offer 70 sessions annually, with a goal of reaching over 2,000 participants each year. The workshops are designed to enhance awareness of gambling risks and to equip participants with strategies to address potential gambling-related issues.
EPIC Global Solutions, formerly known as EPIC Risk Management, has tailored these sessions using real-life experiences from notable sports personalities. A prominent example includes former Liverpool defender Dominic Matteo sharing his personal challenges with gambling, which adds authenticity and relatability to the programme. Similar educational efforts have been rolled out by EPIC and its partner, Sky Bet, in the English Football League over the past eight years.
The effectiveness of these sessions is supported by data collected through participant surveys. According to EPIC, 89% of attendees reported an increased ability to identify harmful gambling behaviors and to act appropriately. Awareness of integrity regulations within the FAI and UEFA rose to 94%, while female participants rated the sessions highly, with 98% giving scores of 8 to 10 out of 10. These figures highlight the programme’s impact in fostering understanding and promoting preventative measures against gambling-related issues within the football community.
The initiative gains added significance amid regulatory shifts in Ireland’s gambling sector. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) came into effect in March 2025, ushering in a new regulatory environment. With betting licence applications having commenced in February 2026, operators must navigate this changing landscape, which emphasizes compliance and responsible gambling practices.
Stephen McGuiness, General Secretary of the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland, has acknowledged the programme’s role in providing necessary guidance and support to players. The feedback from participants indicates a positive reception and a willingness to embrace the strategies presented.
Paul Buck, CEO of EPIC, highlighted the importance of education based on lived experiences. He noted that nearly 90% of participants expressed confidence in recognizing and addressing harmful gambling behaviors. This feedback validates the programme’s approach, which combines educational content with personal testimonies.
Mark Scanlon, Director of the League of Ireland, expressed optimism about the programme’s continued rollout to academy teams in the coming months. He believes that this proactive educational effort will have a substantial impact over the duration of the partnership.
As the gambling regulatory environment in Ireland continues to evolve, initiatives such as this one play a crucial role in ensuring that stakeholders within the sports community are informed and equipped to handle gambling-related issues. The next steps involve further implementation of the programme across academy teams, with an ongoing commitment to evaluating and refining the educational content to address emerging trends and insights from participant feedback. The impact of these efforts will be closely monitored as part of a broader strategy to promote responsible gambling practices within the sports sector.
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