Rangers players and staff are set to take part in groundbreaking, independent gambling education sessions designed especially for top-level sportspeople, with the aim of facilitating a healthy relationship with the sector.
Funding for the project comes from club sponsor Kindred, whose brands include 32Red and Unibet. This year, the company has dedicated its front-of-shirt sponsorship to its ‘Zero % Mission’ – its stated aim to remove revenue stemming from harmful gambling.
A safer gambling consultant will be the organisation to deliver the sessions which will be bespoke and tailored to the club with former professionals who have experienced issues with gambling also offering insights from their own personal experiences.
Karim Virani, Chief Commercial Officer, said “We realise the importance of safeguarding our players and staff, and allowing them to discuss issues relating to the sector in a welcoming and understanding environment. That the sessions are led by former players is a big advantage, going beyond discussing the rule book and adding that key element of relatability. We’re grateful to Kindred – with whom we have a positive, long-term relationship – for funding the sessions that are helping us lead the way in Scotland on this matter.”
Sam Mead, UK General Manager, Kindred Group said “Kindred wants to run a sustainable business built on people enjoying themselves safely. That’s why we have reaffirmed our commitment not only to this project with Rangers, but also to our “Journey towards Zero”. Added to that, we are investing significantly in our technology stack to further develop our sophisticated detection software. This, allied with a greater emphasis on education and safer gambling messaging will help Kindred drive forward its industry-leading model of sponsorship that is benefitting clubs and their communities.”
Michelle Evans, Senior Sports Partnerships Manager, at the safer gambling consultant group said “Education is at the heart of EPIC’s offering, underpinned by real-life experiences from those who have lived experience of gambling-related harm. We recognise the importance of the sector to the UK’s leisure industry, and we’re dedicated to providing a bespoke, holistic service that allows participants to share and discuss matters in a safe way. We’re delighted that Rangers are the latest high-profile football club to recognise the importance of protecting their players and staff through preventative education, adding to our work across several leading clubs and competitions in world football, rugby union, American football and the iconic NCAA college network in the US.”
