Gambling awareness programme reaches 1,250 Irish players

A Flutter-funded gambling awareness programme has been rolled out across every senior football team in Ireland’s League of Ireland. It reached more than 1,250 players within its first three months. The initiative was delivered in partnership with EPIC Global Solutions and aims to reduce gambling-related harm and improve understanding of integrity rules across the sport. Early results suggest a strong impact. Awareness levels and player confidence are rising significantly following workshops.

Programme rollout reaches all senior teams

The initiative launched in January as part of a three-year partnership between the League of Ireland and EPIC Global Solutions. It has now been delivered to all 32 senior men’s and women’s teams across the league.

Workshops have also been extended beyond players. More than 100 Football Association of Ireland staff recently took part in sessions at the organisation’s Dublin headquarters. Club officials and match personnel have also been included.

The programme is designed to run 70 sessions each year. Organisers expect it to reach over 2,000 participants annually as it expands into academy-level football in the coming months.

The general secretary of the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland, Stephen McGuiness, said the rollout was already making a difference in how players understand gambling risks and responsibilities.

Lived experience at centre

The sessions are delivered using a peer-led approach. Former players and individuals with first-hand experience of gambling harm share their stories as part of the workshops. One example is former Liverpool defender Dominic Matteo. Matteo has spoken openly about his struggles with gambling debt as part of the Irish programme.

EPIC Global Solutions, which rebranded from EPIC Risk Management in 2023, has used similar methods in other markets. In England, it has partnered with English Football League sponsor Sky Bet to deliver gambling education programmes for more than eight years.

It is designed to make the message more relatable. It means that players are better at recognising risks and understanding the consequences of gambling-related issues.

Survey data shows strong player response

Initial feedback from participants suggests the programme is having a measurable impact.

Post-session surveys found that 89% of players felt confident they could recognise signs of harmful gambling behaviour and knew how to raise concerns. Awareness of integrity rules set by the Football Association of Ireland and UEFA rose to 94% following the workshops.

Female participants reported particularly positive experiences. Around 98% rated sessions between 8 and 10 out of 10.

EPIC CEO Paul Buck said the results validated the programme’s approach:

“Seeing 89% of players confident in recognising harmful gambling behaviour – and knowing how to respond – validates everything we’ve built this programme around. When education comes from former players who’ve lived these experiences, it resonates.” - Paul Buck, CEO of EPIC

League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon added that the next phase would focus on academy teams, with the aim of embedding awareness earlier in players’ careers.

Regulatory backdrop shapes timing

The programme comes as Ireland introduces a new regulatory framework for gambling. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland was formally established in 2025. Licence applications opened earlier this year as part of a phased rollout.

The League of Ireland programme shows there is proactive harm reduction within sport. Organisers believe that continuing the initiative over its planned three-year term will help improve player awareness, support systems and long-term behavioural change across Irish football.