Flutter Entertainment and EPIC Global Solutions have committed to the promotion of gambling awareness in Ireland by extending a programme with the FAI National League. 

The programme will incorporate the 15 founding National League clubs by the end of 2026 after reaching over 2,000 League of Ireland players and FAI staff since January. 

Ireland’s National League is the third tier in the football pyramid and commenced for the first time last month.

Over 70 EPIC-led workshops have been delivered in what the FAI has described as a “huge success story”.

League of Ireland officials are confident in the programme, claiming it is a useful way to help provide clear insights which will inform targeted support messaging and harm prevention strategies.

“The impact of this programme across the League of Ireland has been a huge success story,” said Interim FAI National Competitions Lead, Garret Higgins. 

“So naturally, we’re incredibly grateful to see this extended to our new FAI National League teams.”

Flutter continues to invest in safer gambling

The announcement comes off the back of Flutter’s $139m (£102m) into EPIC’s safer gambling capabilities globally. 

A big chunk of that – some $75m – was directly invested in the UK and Ireland as the Paddy Power, Betfair and Sky Bet owner looks to ramp up its safer gambling capabilities. 

Flutter’s safer gambling push extends well beyond this move. The NYSE-listed firm recently launched the ‘Centre of Excellence’ in Leeds – a dedicated hub for collaboration, learning and experimentation in the field of responsible gambling and customer protection.

Leeds has become a location in which Flutter has continuously attempted to set up safer gambling initiatives, and last month it extended its partnership with Leeds Rhinos Foundation. 

Flutter said it will increase its annual funding to the foundation from £25,000 to £36,000 as it looks to create a positive impact in the city. 

It has worked closely with EPIC for a number of years, and this move in Ireland is the latest example of that. 

Paul Buck, Chief Executive Officer of EPIC, commented: “We have delivered similar programmes across a wide range of sports globally, but our partnership with the League of Ireland has proven to be one of our most effective yet.

“The number of players who are now confident in their knowledge around gambling awareness has reached 89%. That validates everything we’ve built this programme around. 

“When education comes from former players who’ve lived these experiences, it resonates. The expansion to FAI National League teams will amplify this impact across the entire pathway.”