League of Ireland rolls out gambling education across football clubs

The League of Ireland has announced a comprehensive national gambling awareness and harm prevention programme designed to address the increasing concerns about gambling‑related risks within Irish football. The initiative will offer education, early intervention and integrity training across clubs and league operations as part of a strategic effort to protect players, officials and staff involved in the sport. This three year programme reflects the league’s commitment to safeguarding well being, reinforcing ethical standards and supporting the broader football community.

Purpose and significance of the initiative

The rising profile of gambling‑related harm has prompted sporting organisations worldwide to take a closer look at how to support individuals vulnerable to the pressures of betting and gambling. In Ireland concerns have grown around gambling behaviours among athletes, including professional and academy players. Gambling addiction can pose serious personal, financial and psychological challenges and can also threaten confidence in sport when integrity standards are undermined.

In this context, the League of Ireland’s initiative aims to educate participants about risk recognition, the potential consequences of harmful gambling and practical ways to seek help should concerns arise. The programme brings together league leadership, player representatives and specialist training providers to create a structured and consistent educational framework across the football community.

Scope of the programme

Over the course of the initial three years, more than 2,000 participants are expected to take part in the programme annually. The training will be delivered through approximately 70 face‑to‑face workshops each year at venues across Ireland. The programme will reach:

• Senior men’s and women’s teams within the League of Ireland
• Academy squads including under‑17 and youth development teams
• Women’s Development League teams
• Match officials such as referees and assistant referees
• Football Association of Ireland staff

By including a wide cross‑section of the league’s stakeholders, the initiative seeks to ensure that both current and emerging players develop a solid understanding of gambling‑related risks early in their careers.

Delivery and partners

The programme will be delivered by Epic Global Solutions, an international consultancy that specialises in gambling harm prevention education. Epic has extensive experience working with professional sports organisations and player associations to provide training grounded in real‑world experience.

Workshops will be led by former professional footballers and athletes who have personal experience with gambling harm. These facilitators will share insights on recognising risk behaviours, understanding the nature of gambling related threats and promoting healthy decision making. Their involvement is intended to provide participants with relatable stories and credible role models who can emphasise the importance of responsible behaviour.

In addition to harm awareness training, the initiative will include modules aligned to UEFA‑standard betting integrity training. This component is designed to reinforce existing Football Association of Ireland regulations and competition rules governing betting behaviour by players, officials and league personnel.

The programme has been endorsed by the Football Association of Ireland, the National League Committee and the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland (PFA Ireland), demonstrating a unified commitment across football leadership and player representation.

Role of former professional athletes in delivery

Among the former professionals participating as facilitators are well known figures from football in the United Kingdom and Ireland. These include ex‑English Football League professional Marc Williams, former Ireland under‑21 international Scott Davies and former Premier League player and Scotland international Dominic Matteo. Their lived experience of gambling harm and recovery will form a core element of the interactive workshop content.

Facilitators will guide participants through discussions on how gambling related behaviours can escalate without early awareness, how to recognise warning signs and the resources available for support. This person‑centred approach aims to humanise the issue and break down stigma so that participants are more comfortable seeking help if required.

Funding and historical context

The initiative is funded by Flutter, a major global betting and gaming company with Irish roots that supports responsible gambling programmes worldwide. Flutter previously partnered with Epic Global Solutions to launch what was described as the world’s first gambling harm prevention programme in professional football in 2017 in conjunction with the English Football League. That initial effort has reached more than 10,200 players, coaches and staff in professional football environments to date and remains one of the most extensive education programmes of its kind in European sport.

Financial backing from Flutter enables the League of Ireland programme to operate independently with no direct influence from the gambling industry on content or delivery. The funding covers workshop facilitation, educational materials and associated logistical costs across the three year period.

Statements from league and partner representatives

Mark Scanlon, Director of the League of Ireland, emphasised the importance of integrity within the expanding league framework. He stated that collaboration with all stakeholders, including players and match officials, is vital to reinforce ethical standards at every level of the sport. He added that the partnership with Epic provides an opportunity to proactively prevent potential gambling harm among players while supporting wellbeing and informed decision making.

From the perspective of PFA Ireland, Stephen McGuiness, General Secretary of the players’ union, highlighted the necessity of safeguarding the future of Irish football by prioritising education and support for all players regardless of their stage in the sport. This partnership reflects a serious commitment to player welfare and long‑term career health.

Paul Buck, Chief Executive Officer of Epic Global Solutions, commented that the programme is designed to empower players to identify signs of gambling harm and to better understand available pathways to support. Buck noted that the involvement of former athletes conveying their own experiences adds depth and relevance to the learning environment.

Kevin Harrington, CEO of Flutter UK and Ireland, described the company’s role in funding the programme as part of its broader pledge to lead in safety and trust within the betting sector. He reaffirmed Flutter’s commitment to responsible gaming education and support for initiatives that promote the integrity of sport.

Importance of early intervention and education

Educational programmes like this aim to build a culture where awareness of gambling risks becomes a standard part of professional sports training. Early intervention plays a crucial role in helping individuals recognise unhealthy patterns before they escalate into full‑blown addiction. Professional athletes are considered a high‑risk group given their exposure to sporting culture, betting advertisements and financial incentives tied to performance. A well‑structured education initiative can encourage healthy behaviour and foster resilience against risky gambling habits.

By integrating integrity training with harm prevention education, the programme also reinforces ethical conduct within the sport, which is essential to maintaining public trust and fairness in competition.

Expected outcomes

Over the three year period organisers hope that enhanced awareness will lead to:

• Improved understanding of gambling harm among players, officials and staff
• Reduced stigma around seeking help for gambling‑related issues
• Stronger adherence to betting integrity rules across the league
• Better equipped players who can make informed decisions about gambling behaviour
• A model that other sports organisations in Ireland and beyond can emulate

The long term ambition is to create a legacy of education that reduces the incidence of gambling harm within the football community and encourages a supportive culture where individuals look out for their own wellbeing and that of their peers.

Conclusion

The League of Ireland’s national gambling awareness and harm prevention programme marks a decisive step forward in safeguarding the welfare of everyone involved in Irish football. By combining education, integrity training and early intervention strategies, the initiative not only addresses the immediate risks associated with gambling but also fosters a long‑term culture of responsibility and ethical conduct. The involvement of former professional athletes who have personally experienced gambling harm adds authenticity and relatability to the programme, making it more than just a regulatory exercise; it becomes a genuine mentorship and guidance system for players and officials.

Beyond the immediate benefits for participants, the programme sets a benchmark for professional sport in Ireland and serves as a potential model for other national leagues seeking to proactively tackle gambling-related risks. By aligning education with UEFA-standard integrity training and securing independent funding from a responsible industry partner, the League of Ireland demonstrates that meaningful change can be achieved without compromising ethical standards or player trust.

Ultimately, this initiative reflects a holistic vision where safeguarding player wellbeing, preserving the integrity of the sport and promoting informed decision making coexist harmoniously. It is a forward-looking programme that acknowledges the complex realities of modern professional football while empowering individuals with the knowledge, tools and support to make choices that protect both their careers and personal lives. In doing so, the League of Ireland is not only preserving the spirit of the game but also reinforcing its responsibility to the wider football community, ensuring that the sport thrives with integrity, resilience and care for all involved.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main aim of the League of Ireland gambling awareness programme?
The programme is designed to educate players, officials and staff about gambling related risks and to promote early identification of unhealthy gambling behaviours and pathways to support.

Who will deliver the workshops?
Workshops will be delivered by Epic Global Solutions with facilitators including former professional athletes who have lived experience of gambling harm.

How long will the programme run?
The initiative is planned for an initial three year period with regular annual workshops and training sessions.

Who funds this gambling education initiative?
Funding is provided by Flutter, the global betting and gaming company which supports responsible gambling and safety education.

Will academy and youth players be included?
Yes, the programme includes academy and youth development teams so young players receive education early in their careers.

Is betting integrity training part of the workshops?
Yes, UEFA standard betting integrity training will be incorporated to reinforce ethical conduct and existing competition rules.

Can match officials and league staff participate?
Yes, match officials and Football Association of Ireland staff are included as target participants for the training.

How many participants are expected to attend the programme each year?
Organisers estimate that more than 2,000 players and personnel will take part annually.

Why does the league see this programme as important?
The league views gambling awareness education as essential to protecting player wellbeing, maintaining integrity and fostering healthy choices within the sport.

What outcomes does the league hope to achieve from this initiative?
The programme aims to improve awareness, reduce harm stigma, promote integrity and set a standard for educational support in the sporting community.