EPIC Global and imatta partner to tackle gambling harm

EPIC Global Solutions and imatta have entered into a formal partnership with the shared goal of addressing problem gambling through a combination of educational resources, lived experience, and expert support. The alliance was announced with the intent to significantly expand the availability and effectiveness of harm reduction services and prevention materials for individuals impacted by gambling-related issues.

By aligning their complementary strengths, EPIC and imatta aim to provide practical, accessible, and psychologically safe interventions through digital platforms. This collaborative venture has been positioned as a proactive response to the rising concern over gambling-related harm, which affects individuals, families, and communities across various sectors including sports, finance, and online entertainment.

A united vision for compassionate, evidence-informed prevention

The primary focus of this partnership is the development and dissemination of educational materials that help individuals recognize the signs of gambling-related harm early. The resources will be grounded in EPIC Global Solutions’ distinctive approach, which includes insights drawn from the lived experiences of its staff members—many of whom have overcome gambling-related struggles themselves.

These materials will be hosted on imatta’s innovative digital platform, which is designed to deliver anonymous learning and engagement. This platform is already being used in various sectors for wellbeing-related education and will now be expanded to incorporate problem gambling-specific content.

Additionally, the collaboration will ensure that individuals who identify symptoms of gambling harm in themselves or others are swiftly connected to imatta’s network of professional treatment providers. These providers are trained to offer support in psychologically secure and empathetic settings.

Creating a multifaceted support ecosystem

In addition to direct support services and educational content, the partnership will focus on the creation of broader initiatives that include:

• Responsible gambling resources tailored to different industries
• Mental health and wellbeing frameworks for corporate and sports environments
• Leadership training modules with an emphasis on ethical and supportive decision-making
• Co-authored thought leadership campaigns targeting industry professionals

This comprehensive framework seeks to advance industry-wide standards in player protection, mental health, and digital engagement. It also encourages a shift toward evidence-based and human-centered approaches to wellbeing in the context of gambling and behavioral health.

Joint statements from EPIC and imatta leadership

Chris Perry Metcalf, Chief Executive Officer at imatta, emphasized the importance of collaborative frameworks in addressing complex behavioral issues such as gambling addiction:

“At imatta, we believe that effective prevention and meaningful support start with collaboration. Partnering with EPIC Global Solutions allows us to combine our deep expertise in treating gambling-related harm with EPIC’s unparalleled lived experience and leadership in harm prevention. Together, we are building clear, compassionate pathways that help individuals not only recognize the signs of gambling harm but also access the right support, quickly and safely. We’re proud to work alongside EPIC to set new standards in education, protection, and wellbeing for all those affected.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mike Holinski, Vice President of Partnerships at EPIC Global Solutions, highlighted the strategic alignment and long-term vision of the partnership:

“This partnership with imatta represents a powerful alignment of purpose, values, and innovation. By combining EPIC’s global expertise in gambling harm prevention and mental wellbeing with imatta’s cutting-edge, anonymous learning and engagement platform, we’re creating meaningful pathways for support, education, and impact. At EPIC, we believe collaboration is essential to tackling the most complex challenges across sport, gambling, and corporate wellbeing. Together with imatta, we’re setting a new benchmark for how organisations can integrate support, education, and digital innovation to truly make a difference.”

The role of lived experience in prevention and education

One of the core strengths EPIC brings to the partnership is its use of lived experience as a foundation for education and prevention. Former problem gamblers who are now part of EPIC’s team offer unique insights into the triggers, psychological patterns, and systemic gaps that can lead to gambling addiction. These insights are then translated into training modules and resource materials that resonate deeply with those at risk.

This person-centered approach ensures that the educational content is not only informative but also emotionally resonant and empathetically crafted. It addresses not just the mechanics of gambling but the human stories behind it—stories of recovery, resilience, and renewal.

A digital-first approach to reach broader audiences

By leveraging imatta’s technology, the partnership is taking a digital-first approach to education and support. This is particularly important in a time when digital gambling, including mobile sports betting and online casinos, has become increasingly prevalent. The anonymous nature of imatta’s platform ensures privacy and reduces stigma, thereby encouraging higher engagement among users who might otherwise hesitate to seek help.

Additionally, the platform allows for personalized learning journeys, enabling users to explore content at their own pace. This flexibility is particularly valuable for individuals in high-pressure environments, such as athletes or corporate employees, who may struggle to access traditional support channels.

Influencing policy and industry standards

Through thought leadership initiatives, EPIC and imatta also aim to influence industry policies and best practices. The organizations intend to publish research findings, conduct panel discussions, and provide advisory input to regulatory bodies and corporate governance structures.

Their joint efforts are not limited to gambling service providers but extend to sports organizations, financial institutions, educational bodies, and workplaces. The goal is to build a more comprehensive understanding of gambling-related harm and to ensure that support mechanisms are integrated into diverse professional and community settings.

A commitment to ethical engagement and long-term impact

This partnership is rooted in a strong ethical commitment to reducing harm and improving lives. It avoids sensationalism and instead emphasizes constructive, well-researched, and legally sound strategies for tackling addiction and supporting recovery. The organizations are particularly mindful of the importance of responsible messaging, avoiding any language or claims that could be perceived as defamatory or exaggerated.

The strategy moving forward is to sustain and expand the partnership through ongoing evaluation, user feedback, and stakeholder engagement. Both EPIC and imatta view this collaboration not as a short-term campaign but as a long-term, evolving commitment to public wellbeing.

Learn more and access resources

To explore the work being done by EPIC Global Solutions and imatta, or to access the newly developed support tools and resources, individuals are encouraged to visit the official websites of both organizations:

www.imatta.com

www.epicglobalsolutions.com

These platforms offer access to tools, educational content, and direct referral pathways to licensed professionals specializing in gambling harm and mental health.

Conclusion

The strategic alliance between EPIC Global Solutions and imatta represents a forward-thinking and ethically grounded approach to addressing gambling-related harm through education, prevention, and compassionate support. By combining EPIC’s deep expertise in harm reduction with imatta’s innovative digital engagement platform, the partnership establishes a powerful model for industry collaboration that prioritizes individual wellbeing and psychological safety. This joint initiative not only sets a new standard for responsible gambling practices but also paves the way for a more informed, supportive, and stigma-free environment for those affected by gambling addiction.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the EPIC and imatta partnership?
The partnership aims to provide resources and support for individuals experiencing gambling-related harm by combining education, lived experience, and professional treatment.

How do EPIC and imatta complement each other?
EPIC contributes real-world insights from individuals with lived experience, while imatta offers a digital platform for anonymous engagement and professional referrals.

What kind of resources will be available through the partnership?
The collaboration will offer educational content, wellbeing modules, responsible gambling resources, and leadership training.

Will the support offered be confidential?
Yes, imatta’s platform allows individuals to engage with learning materials and support services anonymously to ensure privacy and psychological safety.

Who can benefit from these resources?
Anyone affected by gambling-related harm—whether personally or through someone they know—can benefit from the educational and support materials.

Are these services available internationally?
Yes, both organizations have a global focus and are committed to expanding their reach to diverse populations worldwide.

Is there a cost associated with accessing the resources?
The partnership aims to make resources widely accessible. While some services may be free, others may involve professional referrals with associated costs.

What industries are being targeted by this initiative?
The initiative targets sports, gambling, corporate, and educational sectors to address gambling harm in a range of professional and social contexts.

How does this partnership support mental health?
The content and support services address not only gambling behavior but also associated mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

Where can I find more information?
For more information, visit the official websites: www.imatta.com and www.epicglobalsolutions.com.