First In Scotland
Scottish Premiership giants Rangers have been hosting gambling education sessions for the players.
The move has been met with widespread praise, with the club becoming the first in Scotland to do so.
Responsible Gambling
The sessions have been specifically made for top-level athletes to help them build a responsible relationship with gambling. The programme, a testament to the shared commitment of Kindred and Rangers, has been generously funded by the club’s sponsor. Kindred, known for its popular betting brands like 32Bet and Unibet, has been the Ranger's sponsor for over a decade. This year, the Rangers shirt sponsor proudly displays Kindred’s ‘Zero % Mission’, a shared goal to eradicate any revenue derived from irresponsible and harmful gambling practices.
The course, led by Epic Global Solutions, a specialist gambling harm consultancy company, fosters a supportive and non-judgmental environment. In these sessions, players from both the first-team men’s and women’s squads are encouraged to openly discuss their own experiences with gambling. Former athletes also share their experiences, creating a space where players feel comfortable addressing any issues they may have.
The Importance Of Education
The programme has been well received by players and staff at the club. Goalkeeper Jack Butland said that it is important the club is able to offer this support, noting the dangers of addictions and how prevalent they can be among athletes.
Carolanne Gay, the club’s Academy Education Executive, noted the importance of the messages being taught. They expressed their gratitude for the help provided by Kindred and Epic and said it is important they continue to work together on these issues.
The relationship between sports betting and football has been under the microscope for the last few years, with high-profile cases involving Premier League players Ivan Toney and Sandro Tonali highlighting the need for further education on the topic.
