Latest news with #AnnaIsaacson
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Is NFL serious about curbing gambling abuses? Don't bet on it.
The NFL announced Wednesday that it is partnering with the International Center for Responsible Gaming for research into gambling by college students and athletes. The NFL is also giving the ICRG money so the group can update educational materials designed to prevent gambling by kids. "This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting responsible gambling and fostering a safe and supportive environment for athletes, fans, and communities," Anna Isaacson, the NFL's senior vice president of social responsibility, said in a release. Take a minute and let all that sink in. Maybe read it again. Then feel free to beat your head against the wall. The NFL, the league that has partnerships with FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesers and other gaming companies and last year held the Super Bowl in Las Vegas - and this year at an arena whose naming rights belong to a gaming company, is concerned about the harmful effects of gambling. Even if the end result of this partnership with ICRG is admirable and worthwhile, this is akin to an arsonist providing fire prevention tips. The NFL can't wring its hands and express concern that teenagers and young 20-somethings, whose brains are still developing, are becoming problem gamblers when it is helping to lead them down that pathway. When you contribute to the harm, you don't get credit for trying to limit its impact. "Yes, there is some hypocrisy there. That being said, it's not nearly on the same level as the gambling companies themselves," said Victor Matheson, an economist at Holy Cross who specializes in sports and gambling. "The NFL does not need addicted gamblers," Matheson said. "FanDuel and DraftKings do." The NFL is trying to have it both ways, however. It's just fine taking the money from FanDuel and DraftKings and Caesars and BetMGM and ... well, you get the picture. It's OK with allowing those companies to use their relationship with the NFL to encourage more people to bet and to bet more. Yet it acts as if it hasn't played a role in fueling a culture in which sports betting has become normalized, and young people, boys in particular, are gambling at younger and younger ages. More: Inside the high-stakes, high-risk world of sports betting and how it's gripping young men More: He had a debilitating sports betting addiction but didn't realize it. His story's not uncommon. There was a time when the NFL could take the moral high ground on this issue. For years, in fact, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was hypervigilant about the league avoiding even the appearance of an association with gambling. He sent strongly worded letters to any state that tried to do an end-around the NFL's gaming prohibitions, and the league refused an ad from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority during the Super Bowl in 2003. Goodell even forced Tony Romo, then the Dallas Cowboys quarterback, to cancel a fantasy football convention in Las Vegas in 2015. All that changed in 2018, when a Supreme Court ruling effectively legalized gambling across the country. Now sports betting is legal in all but 11 states, according to the American Gaming Association, with 32 states allowing online and mobile sports betting. Rather than standing its ground, the NFL realized there was money to be made and said, "The heck with principles!" But while the NFL is getting paid, it's ordinary people who are paying the price. "We've seen gambling companies become a little more evil," Matheson said, referring to the ease and pervasiveness of online betting. "It's much more of an addictive product now." And the NFL is an active partner in that. Ads for gaming companies are incessant during NFL broadcasts -- I saw Kevin Hart so much this season, I almost felt as if he was part of my family -- and some of its most famous alums are shilling for the sports books. DraftKings sponsors the NFL RedZone, the wildly popular whip-around show. Caesars has naming rights to the Superdome in New Orleans, home of the Saints and host of this year's Super Bowl. If the NFL thinks it's "fostering a safe and supportive environment" related to gambling, it's got a funny way of doing it. There is a cautionary tale for the NFL and every other sports league that has cozied up to the gaming companies. Sports and gambling have been intertwined in the United Kingdom for about half a century, to the point it is ubiquitous in the English Premier League. Ads for sports books are on the ribbon boards lining the fields, unavoidable for fans in the stands and watching on TV. Of the 20 teams in the EPL this season, 12 had a gaming company as its front-of-jersey sponsor. But as concerns about problem gambling increased, drawing the attention of the UK government, the EPL announced it would prohibit front-of-jersey sponsors by gaming companies beginning with the 2026-27 season. The same could happen in the United States, Matheson said. "(The NFL) isn't going to walk away from the money without an awfully good reason to do so," he said. "But I think there is a real chance they will walk away from the money, or not squawk too loudly, when restrictions are placed upon them by state governments who want to restrict the worst excesses of the gambling companies." Maybe. But even if that happens, it will not diminish the harm the NFL did so willingly. Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Opinion: NFL wants you to think it's taking sports betting seriously. Don't be fooled.
Opinion: NFL wants you to think it's taking sports betting seriously. Don't be fooled. Show Caption Hide Caption NFL players can now partake in Olympic flag football Olympic flag football, which will make it's debut at the 2028 summer games, just got bumped up a level after the NFL agreed to let its players partake. Sports Pulse The NFL is unmatched when it comes to, well, pretty much everything. Hypocrisy included. The NFL announced Wednesday that it is partnering with the International Center for Responsible Gaming for research into gambling by college students and athletes. The NFL is also giving the ICRG money so the group can update educational materials designed to prevent gambling by kids. 'This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting responsible gambling and fostering a safe and supportive environment for athletes, fans, and communities,' Anna Isaacson, the NFL's senior vice president of social responsibility, said in a release. Take a minute and let all that sink in. Maybe read it again. Then feel free to beat your head against the wall. The NFL, the league that has partnerships with FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesers and other gaming companies and last year held the Super Bowl in Las Vegas – and this year at an arena whose naming rights belong to a gaming company, is concerned about the harmful effects of gambling. Even if the end result of this partnership with ICRG is admirable and worthwhile, this is akin to an arsonist providing fire prevention tips. The NFL can't wring its hands and express concern that teenagers and young 20-somethings, whose brains are still developing, are becoming problem gamblers when it is helping to lead them down that pathway. When you contribute to the harm, you don't get credit for trying to limit its impact. 'Yes, there is some hypocrisy there. That being said, it's not nearly on the same level as the gambling companies themselves,' said Victor Matheson, an economist at Holy Cross who specializes in sports and gambling. 'The NFL does not need addicted gamblers,' Matheson said. 'FanDuel and DraftKings do.' The NFL is trying to have it both ways, however. It's just fine taking the money from FanDuel and DraftKings and Caesars and BetMGM and ... well, you get the picture. It's OK with allowing those companies to use their relationship with the NFL to encourage more people to bet and to bet more. Yet it acts as if it hasn't played a role in fueling a culture in which sports betting has become normalized, and young people, boys in particular, are gambling at younger and younger ages. More: Inside the high-stakes, high-risk world of sports betting and how it's gripping young men More: He had a debilitating sports betting addiction but didn't realize it. His story's not uncommon. There was a time when the NFL could take the moral high ground on this issue. For years, in fact, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was hypervigilant about the league avoiding even the appearance of an association with gambling. He sent strongly worded letters to any state that tried to do an end-around the NFL's gaming prohibitions, and the league refused an ad from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority during the Super Bowl in 2003. Goodell even forced Tony Romo, then the Dallas Cowboys quarterback, to cancel a fantasy football convention in Las Vegas in 2015. All that changed in 2018, when a Supreme Court ruling effectively legalized gambling across the country. Now sports betting is legal in all but 11 states, according to the American Gaming Association, with 32 states allowing online and mobile sports betting. Rather than standing its ground, the NFL realized there was money to be made and said, 'The heck with principles!' But while the NFL is getting paid, it's ordinary people who are paying the price. 'We've seen gambling companies become a little more evil,' Matheson said, referring to the ease and pervasiveness of online betting. 'It's much more of an addictive product now.' And the NFL is an active partner in that. Ads for gaming companies are incessant during NFL broadcasts — I saw Kevin Hart so much this season, I almost felt as if he was part of my family — and some of its most famous alums are shilling for the sports books. DraftKings sponsors the NFL RedZone, the wildly popular whip-around show. Caesars has naming rights to the Superdome in New Orleans, home of the Saints and host of this year's Super Bowl. If the NFL thinks it's 'fostering a safe and supportive environment' related to gambling, it's got a funny way of doing it. There is a cautionary tale for the NFL and every other sports league that has cozied up to the gaming companies. Sports and gambling have been intertwined in the United Kingdom for about half a century, to the point it is ubiquitous in the English Premier League. Ads for sports books are on the ribbon boards lining the fields, unavoidable for fans in the stands and watching on TV. Of the 20 teams in the EPL this season, 12 had a gaming company as its front-of-jersey sponsor. But as concerns about problem gambling increased, drawing the attention of the UK government, the EPL announced it would prohibit front-of-jersey sponsors by gaming companies beginning with the 2026-27 season. The same could happen in the United States, Matheson said. '(The NFL) isn't going to walk away from the money without an awfully good reason to do so,' he said. 'But I think there is a real chance they will walk away from the money, or not squawk too loudly, when restrictions are placed upon them by state governments who want to restrict the worst excesses of the gambling companies.' Maybe. But even if that happens, it will not diminish the harm the NFL did so willingly. Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NFL collaborates with International Center for Responsible Gaming, funds $600,000 to study college athlete and students gambling habits
NFL (via Getty Images) The National Football League (NFL) is stepping up to combat the increasing rate of gambling among college students and athletes. In a joint effort with the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG), the NFL will sponsor a three-year research program to identify the risks and effects of betting habits in college settings. The league is donating $600,000 through the NFL Foundation to pay for independent research and develop revised educational resources intended to guard young people from gambling harm before college. NFL program addresses college betting issues and encourages early gambling education The NFL's collaboration with the International Center for Responsible Gaming is the latest step in its campaign for responsible gaming. The league-funded research will examine gambling prevalence, risk factors, and long-term effects among college students and athletes. The action comes as broader scrutiny of gambling in college sports sees student-athletes exposed to both external risk and internal pressures. NFL senior vice president of social responsibility Anna Isaacson highlighted the need for proactive measures, adding that filling a critical knowledge gap, this action takes on the wider challenge of creating a safer gambling culture. The revised ICRG toolkit, 'Talking with Children About Gambling,' is central to this effort. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Birla Evara 3 and 4 BHK from ₹ 1.68 Crore* Birla Estates Learn More Undo It will be disseminated broadly among parents, educators, and youth sports organizations to enable early education about the dangers of gambling. 'We're proud to partner with the ICRG to advance research that can drive meaningful solutions and address a critical gap in the understanding of gambling behaviors among college athletes and students,' Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility, said. 'This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting responsible gambling and fostering a safe and supportive environment for athletes, fans, and communities. ' Subsequently, the NCAA launched its 'Draw the Line' campaign to combat player prop bet harassment and advocate for a national player prop bet prohibition. NCAA President Charlie Baker urged lawmakers to enact legislation against illicit sportsbooks and safeguard student-athletes from targeted abuse. Also read: NFL player Jake McQuaide causes scene in church, demands answers in archdiocese porn scandal—escorted out Through its funding of ICRG's research and education work, the NFL is aiming to influence prevention and policy alike. The league has spoken categorically about its number-one priority being preventing harm from gambling, most especially among youth athletes in sports who might not even know they are at risk. As legalized sports betting grows ever more prevalent, the need for broad, evidence-based intervention is never more urgent.
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
35 schools nationwide join NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play to support youth health and well-being
( NewMediaWire ) - May 13, 2025 - DALLAS — According to the American Heart Association, physical inactivity in childhood is a major risk factor for developing coronary artery disease and stroke, as well as cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. To inspire youth to get physically active, the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, and the National Football League (NFL) bring a new NFL PLAY 60(TM) resource to schools to close out the 2024-2025 academic year. Day of Play is an immersive experience focused on fitness, fun and education all with the goal of helping students move more and, ultimately, live longer and healthier lives as they build healthy habits. Nationwide, 35 schools have been named official Day of Play schools representing the NFL club in their local markets. Three of these schools, representing the NFL tentpole event markets of Super Bowl LIX (New Orleans), Super Bowl LX (San Francisco Bay Area) and the 2025 NFL Draft (Green Bay), also received grants of $2,500 to support their Day of Play activation. Day of Play delivers an immersive day of fun and movement to encourage increased daily physical activity, which can positively impact overall mental and physical wellness, an essential element to help children reach their full potential. 'Kids need fun, interactive and confidence-building experiences that are memorable and instill a culture of health from the early days of their lives. For nearly 20 years, the work of the American Heart Association and the NFL has helped deliver that to kids through NFL PLAY 60,' said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. 'My gratitude goes out to the educators and caregivers who understand the value NFL PLAY 60 programming brings and are committed to the long-term health of their students.' The 35 NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play schools will activate between now and June 2025 at a date of each school's selection. The schools all received a Day of Play activation guide and an official NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play interactive kit—featuring footballs, fitness dice and heart-health challenges—that can be used to transform the school into a movement zone, ensuring every child finds a way to engage in physical activity. Students participating will have the opportunity to move through various activities, games, challenges and exercise content and receive edutainment about heart health. The experience aims to make health and well-being fun and relatable and create a memorable day that inspires students to take charge of their health. The Day of Play schools and their associated NFL teams are: The three schools receiving Day of Play grants are 'The NFL is committed to providing children with the resources needed to grow up happy and healthy,' said NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson. 'The NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play event with the American Heart Association is a powerful way to bring that mission to life, giving youth across the country the opportunity to get moving and learn more about the importance of physical activity.' Beyond these 35, any school can bring the Day of Play experience to their students by downloading the free Day of Play activation guide. The guide includes exercise video content, ideas for games, challenges and contests, along with heart-health video modules and physical activity ideas. In addition to Day of Play, NFL PLAY 60 supports students' physical and mental health through the NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Breaks, 15-minute broadcasts that gets students up and moving along with the NFL at key times throughout the year — season kickoff, Super Bowl and NFL Draft. The NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Library features two-to-three minute on-demand exercise videos from each of the 32 NFL teams featuring players, NFL legends, cheerleaders and mascots. Lastly, the NFL PLAY 60 app, free and available for iOS and Android devices, allows users to select their favorite team and control personalized avatars onscreen with their own physical movement. Users can create custom workouts and earn special PLAY points to unlock cool NFL gear for on-screen PLAY 60 avatars. Rooted in American Heart Association science, the NFL PLAY 60 initiative helps children to develop healthy habits for a better chance of a healthy adulthood. The program encourages kids to get a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity each day to meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity are key to immediate and long-term health for children. The NFL and the American Heart Association have been teaming up since 2006 to inspire kids through fun and engaging ways to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. The impact of physical activity on overall mental and physical wellness is essential to help children grow to reach their full potential. Information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and additional engagement opportunities can be found online at Additional Resources: ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. About NFL PLAY 60 NFL PLAY 60 is the League's national youth health and wellness platform. Heading into its 19th season, the initiative empowers millions of youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day by supporting programs and resources to help kids everywhere lead a healthy lifestyle. Alongside the NFL's 32 NFL clubs and partners, the PLAY 60 movement continues to serve and motivate the next generation of youth to get active and PLAY 60. For more information, visit For Media Inquiries: American Heart Association: Linzy Cotaya, [email protected] National Football League: Ian Martin, [email protected] Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
Associated Press
08-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
3 schools win NFL PLAY 60 grants to boost student fitness
( NewMediaWire) - April 08, 2025 - DALLAS — For students to get their health into the endzone, a mix of various cardio and strength exercises that work different parts of the body is ideal for whole body health, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. That is why the American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL), in collaboration with the 32 teams, held the NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Blitz to get students moving leading up to Super Bowl LIX in New schools, named the national winners of the Exercise Blitz, received $1,000 NFL PLAY 60 grants for improvements to the schools' physical activity equipment. 'At the American Heart Association, our future is all about improving yours,' said American Heart Association Chief Executive Officer Nancy Brown. 'For 18 years, the American Heart Association and the NFL have teamed up to inspire kids to get moving to support their overall wellness by pairing fun with health fundamentals to drive life-long wellness through NFL PLAY 60. In our century of work, the American Heart Association will continue to be laser focused to propel physical and mental health in children.' Douglas Road Elementary in Lambertville, Mich. on behalf of the Detroit Lions, LaMuth Middle School in Painesville, Ohio on behalf of the Cleveland Browns and Cook-Wissahickon School in Philadelphia on behalf of the Philadelphia Eagles are the three winning schools of the NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Blitz. Held from Jan. 27- 31, the Exercise Blitz invited students to complete a 5-day physical activity video series, featuring special guests from the NFL. Teachers tracked student completion of movement minutes and submitted the tracker for an opportunity to receive a grant. The winning three schools were drawn at random. Physical activity positively impacts overall mental and physical wellness which is essential to help children reach their full potential [1]. That is why the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, offer a suite of resources to parents, teachers and caregivers to add movement to each day. The NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Library features two-to-three minute exercise videos from each of the 32 NFL teams featuring players, NFL Legends, cheerleaders and mascots. The free NFL PLAY 60 app allows users to select their favorite team and control personalized avatars onscreen with their own physical movement. Users can create custom workouts and earn special PLAY points and unlock cool NFL gear for on-screen PLAY 60 avatars. 'Every year, NFL PLAY 60 helps students across the country achieve their daily goal of 60 minutes of play through the innovative and engaging NFL PLAY 60 app,' said NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson. 'We look forward to continuing to work with our partners at the American Heart Association to provide students with resources they need to lead healthy lifestyles.' Rooted in American Heart Association science, the NFL PLAY 60 initiative helps children to develop healthy habits for a better chance of a healthy adulthood. The NFL and the American Heart Association have been teaming up since 2006 to inspire kids through fun and engaging ways to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity are key to immediate and long-term health for children. Information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and additional grant opportunities can be found online at ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. About NFL PLAY 60 NFL PLAY 60 is the League's national youth health and wellness platform. In its 18th season, the initiative empowers millions of youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day and provides support for programs and resources so that kids everywhere can lead a healthy lifestyle. Alongside the NFL's 32 NFL clubs and partners, the PLAY 60 movement will continue to serve and motivate the next generation of youth to get active and PLAY 60. For more information, visit
