The impact of EPIC Global Solutions’ gambling harm education program in NCAA colleges during 2025 has been unveiled through the release of a new report, which confirmed that student-athletes are demonstrating high awareness of identifying problem gambling among themselves and team mates.
The Impact Report details how last year saw EPIC’s team of lived experience facilitators deliver to 92 unique institutions and groups within the NCAA, serving over 25,000 people across the spectrum of collegiate sports. After beginning delivery of the initiative in 2022, the running total over the first four years has now exceeded events at more than 300 venues and has engaged more than 100,000 student-athletes, coaches, and support staff.
The mix of authentic stories, key advice on recognizing signs of gambling-related harm, and where to seek support when the issue is presented – delivered by former athletes and college students who speak from personal experience of problem gambling or sporting integrity issues – is intended to empower audiences to make more informed decisions around their personal relationships with sports wagering and other forms of gambling.
Proving the value of the concept, post-session evaluation showed that 96% of student-athletes and 97% of staff reported they could recognize the signs of harmful gambling behavior as a result of interacting with the presentations. Supporting integrity across collegiate sport, the study also confirmed that 84% of student-athletes and 89% of staff now have good or excellent awareness of the NCAA sports wagering regulations.
Clint Hangebrauck, MD of Enterprise Risk Management at NCAA, said: “2025 has proven that sport globally is under immense pressure from the dangers of sports betting. From integrity matters, harassment, and problem gambling, athletes represent a highly vulnerable population that are negatively impacted by the rapid expansion of sports betting.
“The team at EPIC continues to deliver customized education that resonates in ways a poster, digital learning or powerpoint presentation cannot. Their personal stories are a gateway to changing perspective, starting crucial conversations, and empowering athletes to avoid the potential pitfalls which lay before them.
“EPIC and the NCAA remain steadfastly committed to growing this program to meet the needs of our membership.”
Paul Buck, CEO of EPIC Global Solutions, said: “There has been an increase in integrity matters, reports of problem gambling, and athlete harassment. At the time of a fast-growing industry sector, it is vitally important that athletes are protected and educated across the entire NCAA population with effective and modern education in a diverse and impactful way.
“EPIC is proud to be the primary educators of college athletes in the US, putting lived experience at the heart of everything that we do, and we look forward to building the program even further in the months and years ahead.
“We thank the NCAA for being proactive and thought-leading in efforts for athlete safety and look forward to furthering an already strong relationship in 2026, 2027, and beyond.”
