The scheme focuses on education and prevention of problem behaviour, and will include on-demand virtual sessions, pre-recorded webinars and in-person workshops.
Sportradar has partnered with addiction and mental health experts for the programme, including Kindbridge Behavioral Health, a mental health treatment provider focused gaming-related disorders, Dr. Timothy Fong, co-director of the UCLA gambling studies programme; and Brianne Doura-Schawohl, a responsible gambling expert.
Jim Brown, Sportradar head of integrity services and Athlete Wellbeing, North America, said the programme would form an important part of Sportradar’s offerings.
“We believe that Sportradar has an important role in the greater sports eco-system and a responsibility in helping our partners educate their athletes about the potential impact of sports betting and problem gambling on their mental health,” said Brown. “As the global leader in providing integrity services, the launch of this program is a natural step in continuing to protect the integrity of sport for all.”
Sportradar has also renewed its membership in the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the oldest US organisation devoted to gambling issues – with the NCPG agreeing to provide advice on the development of the Athlete Wellbeing programme.
NCPG executive director Keith S. Whyte added: “We applaud Sportradar for creating their Athlete Wellbeing program to help protect athletes’ mental health, and we strongly support these efforts. As legalised sports betting expands across the country it is more important than ever to ensure gambling addiction prevention and education programs are in place for every league, sport, club, team and school.”
The launch follows a number Sportradar deals in recent weeks; notably with the Turkish Basketball Federation and French operator Française des Jeux (FDJ).
Sportradar also recently launched their new managed services sportsbook solution Orako.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/sportradar-launches-athlete-wellbeing-mental-health-program/
