The League of Ireland has confirmed the launch of a dedicated gambling awareness and education programme designed to support players, coaches and officials across the domestic game.
Set to commence later this month, the three-year initiative will see former professional footballers lead a series of 70 in-person workshops delivered across senior squads, academy teams and match officials. Over 2,000 participants from men’s, women’s and youth divisions are expected to benefit annually from the sessions.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with EPIC Global Solutions, a consultancy renowned internationally for its work in sports and gambling harm prevention. Endorsed by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), the National League Committee and the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland (PFA Ireland), the workshops aim to enhance understanding of gambling risks, recognise early signs of harm and promote informed decision-making among participants.
Former players leading the sessions include ex-EFL forward Marc Williams, former Ireland Under-21 international Scott Davies and ex-Premier League midfielder Dominic Matteo. Their involvement reflects a broader emphasis on relatable, experience-based education as a tool for prevention.
League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon said the programme represented an important step in safeguarding the integrity and wellbeing of the domestic game. “As the League of Ireland grows each year, it is very important to work with all stakeholders including our players and match officials at the centre of the game to stress the importance of integrity at all levels,” Scanlon stated. “This partnership with EPIC also means we can look to prevent potential gambling harm amongst our players.”
Stephen McGuinness, General Secretary of PFA Ireland, noted that the initiative will help ensure that education and support extend to every player, regardless of career stage. He highlighted the value of hearing from former professionals who have navigated gambling-related challenges first hand.
The programme is funded by Flutter Entertainment, which has backed similar harm prevention education in professional football internationally for nearly a decade. EPIC’s CEO Paul Buck said the initiative aims to empower participants with knowledge and pathways to support, reinforcing safer behaviours around gambling.
With UEFA-standard content and a comprehensive schedule of face-to-face workshops, the League of Ireland’s gambling awareness programme marks one of the most extensive education drives of its kind in European sport.