The League of Ireland is set to introduce a brand new gambling awareness program for soccer players to educate clubs on the impact and harm of gambling. It follows the Professional Footballers Association Canada announcing a similar preventative training program in December 2025.
Around 2,000 players will benefit from the educational program, which will be run by EPIC Global Solutions, and this will begin at the end of January.
In total, 70 face-to-face sessions will be run across a three-year period, and it won’t just be players receiving the benefits, with coaches, match officials, and even FAI staff having access to the program.
The sessions will be conducted by former soccer players who have experienced some form of gambling issues in the past.
Names include Marc Williams, former Irish U21 player Scott Davies and ex-Scotland international Dominic Matteo.
The League of Ireland has announced the rollout of an educational programme to proactively lead on the prevention of gambling harm in Irish football with support provided by EPIC Global Solutions.
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— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) January 19, 2026
“As the League of Ireland grows each year, it is very important to work with all stakeholders, including our players and match officials at the centre of the game, to stress the importance of integrity at all levels,” said Mark Scanlon, League of Ireland Director in a press release.
“This partnership with EPIC also means we can also look to prevent potential gambling harm amongst our players.
“We know the vast majority of people gamble without an issue. But the seminars at our Academy clubs will be hugely beneficial and educate for the next generation of Irish footballers. We have seen the work that EPIC is doing with the English Football League and it’s having a measurable impact. We look forward to seeing that replicated in the League of Ireland.”
EPIC to continue gambling harm prevention
EPIC Global Solutions is funded by Flutter and the company supported their first official launch in the world of gambling harm prevention back in 2017.
Alongside Sky Bet and the EFL, EPIC’s launch in partnership with these two brands ensured professional soccer players could receive education into the world of gambling and reducing the harm it may cause.
After eight years, more than 10,000 players have attended sessions by EPIC, and now the League of Ireland will get the benefit of the program.
Across the 70 sessions, 20 men’s teams, 12 women’s teams, 26 academies, ten women’s development league sides, officials and staff will be included each year.
“This three-year partnership with EPIC and the League of Ireland is about safeguarding the future of our game. By delivering gambling awareness training to both male and female players at senior and academy level, we are ensuring that education and support reaches every player, regardless of where they are in their career.” Added Stephen McGuiness, the General Secretary of the Professional Footballers Association.
Featured image: League of Ireland
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