Online gambling operator Kindred announced it will fund independent gambling education sessions specifically designed for players and staff of Rangers FC in Scotland. These sessions will be led by EPIC Risk Management, a consultancy for safer gambling that works with clubs, leagues, and federations around the world.
Kindred, which is celebrating ten years of collaboration with the team, has dedicated its shirt-front sponsorship to its “Zero % Mission” campaign, part of the group’s Journey to Zero strategy.
The goal of this project is that, over time, zero percent of revenue will be generated from harmful gambling. This also marks the next step in advancing towards a sponsorship model that “benefits sports organizations and their communities,” says Kindred.
This cooperation is the first time a Scottish Premiership club has worked with an organization like EPIC to provide independent gambling guidance to its staff, and follows EPIC’s work in the English Football League and other leagues around the world.
The educational sessions will be customized, and tailored to individual needs, with insights from former football players who have had gambling-related problems, including some who have played at the international level.
Sam Mead, UK General Manager at 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 to our “Journey towards Zero” too.
“Added to that, we are investing 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.”
Karim Virani, Chief Commercial Officer of Rangers FC, added: ”We realize 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 football 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.”
The men’s first team, B-team and women’s teams will participate. Selected academy cohorts will take part separately.
Michelle Evans, Senior Sports Partnerships Manager of EPIC Risk Management, concluded: ”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 recognize 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 recognize the importance of protecting their players and staff through preventative education.”