The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) and the NFL are teaming up to provide responsible gaming resources to student-athletes across Canada.

The RGC announced on Thursday a partnership with the NFL to develop and offer a comprehensive RG training program tailored to college-level athletes. The program, which will launch later this year, will have a pilot phase that provides RG resources to eight Canadian universities and colleges. During the 2025-26 academic year, the program will expand to 30 institutions using insights and feedback from this year’s training program.

“Student-athletes face unique pressures from academics, athletics and the accessibility of sports betting, making them vulnerable to risky gambling behaviours,” said new RGC CEO Sarah McCarthy, who officially replaced Shelley White this month. “Our partnership with the NFL is a crucial step in supporting this group by providing the education and tools needed to make informed decisions.”

The NFL and RGC will also work together to evaluate the program and its effectiveness.

North America’s most popular pro sports league is partnering with the RGC as it commits to promoting RG practices and initiatives. In 2024, the NFL provided in-person gambling policy education and training to all players and staff of the league’s 32 franchises.

The NFL also has a partnership with the U.S. National Council on Problem Gambling.

RGC partners with major sports properties

The council has landed a deal with the NFL after partnering with Toronto-based sports holding and commercial real estate company Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE).

As part of the deal, RGC messaging will be displayed at every home game of a Toronto sports team at Scotiabank Arena and BMO Field as well as select away games. MLSE owns the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC, and the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts.