EPIC Risk Management announced a new ground-breaking partnership with UCFB’s Global Institute of Sport (GIS) which will see both companies join forces to explore the issues around gambling and addiction within sport.

The partnership will see EPIC become an official industry partner of GIS, working together on accredited learning opportunities and supporting best practice. Both organisations will pull together sports industry leaders from around the globe to understand the current challenges, opportunities and threats; creating informed research that can support the wider sports industry ensure that the risks of gambling and addiction are minimised.

UCFB’s Global Institute of Sport is the premier destination for Master’s degrees and executive education in sport around the world. Its aim is to unite, inspire and equip the current and future leaders of the global sports industry.

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EPIC Risk Management is a globally leading independent gambling harm minimisation consultancy. Working across the highest risk sectors for gambling-related harm, EPIC has worked in 27 countries on ground-breaking harm minimisation programmes, sector leading gambling operator training, and class-leading advisory.

John Millington, senior director at EPIC Risk Management, said: “Problem gambling can affect any individual from any walk of life, but several academic studies have reached the same finding that athletes are up to four times more likely to suffer its consequences.

“Clearly, education and prevention work for those who regularly participate in competitive sport is a hugely important in tackling this issue. The Global Institute of Sport are the perfect partner to help undertake research and mine data on this topic and have joined forces with us to ensure that the right people can contribute to it, and act upon it.

“We are also looking forward to offering the students at UCFB and GIS insight and support on these risks, to help them as individuals as well as in their professional careers.

“GIS will be making a vital contribution to EPIC’s Pro Sport Advisory Board in the longer term via their new status as our education partner.”

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Sharona Friedman, President of GIS, said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with EPIC Risk Management to both support the sports industry as well as offer insight to our students, on the risks associated to addiction.

“Gambling and addiction are unfortunately problems which can affect anyone, and we believe that by joining forces with EPIC we can help educate and prevent those working and competing in sport from falling victims to these pitfalls.

“At UCFB and GIS, we aspire to both learn from and support the industry to make informed decisions on how to address any challenges that present themselves. With the help of EPIC Risk Management, we want to be part of the solution to mitigating the risks of problem gambling by gathering research, engaging with industry leaders and providing recommendations for good practice.

“We’re also pleased to have been unveiled as EPIC’s official education partner; this arrangement will include EPIC offering our students advice on the risks that gambling can present and how to mitigate against potential pitfalls. We’re excited to grow our close relationship with EPIC and make a positive difference within the industry together.”