Rangers players take part in ‘first-of-their-kind’ bespoke gambling education sessions

Rangers has become the first club in Scotland to undertake pioneering gambling education sessions.

The bespoke programme was designed especially for top-level sportspeople, with the aim of facilitating a healthy relationship with the sector.

The sessions were planned and ran by EPIC Global Solutions, a leading independent gambling harm minimisation consultancy. EPIC draws on lived experience – the sessions at Rangers were led by an ex-professional footballer – to help individuals understand how they can safely manage their relationship with gambling.

They took place in an open, trusting environment, in which all participants were encouraged to share their own experiences and perspectives.

The men’s first team, women’s team and selected academy squads took part in separate sessions. This programme is a ‘first-of-its-kind’ in Scotland.

Funding for the project comes from principal club sponsor Kindred, whose brands include 32Red and Unibet. This year marks ten years of collaboration between Kindred and Rangers. This year, the company has dedicated its front-of-shirt sponsorship to its ‘Zero % Mission’ – its stated aim to remove revenue stemming from harmful gambling.

Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland took part in the session alongside his first-team colleagues, and said:

“Any addiction can dramatically affect your life, your family’s life, and ultimately your career as well. That’s why it is so important that the club is taking this seriously and offering this support, and why it’s great to work with EPIC and Kindred on this.”

Carolanne Gay, Academy Education Executive, Rangers Football Club, said:

“It is important to all at the club to take the lead on this matter. We realise the importance of working with sector experts to better educate and safeguard players and staff at all levels.

“We’re grateful to Kindred and EPIC for their support and guidance, and we hope that the sessions will be of great benefit in the future.”

Sam Mead, General Manager, Kindred Group, said:

“Throughout our long and successful relationship with Rangers, we have used our sponsorship of the club to fund vital initiatives. This time, we were delighted to fund a programme that benefits players and staff in a really tangible way.

“We’re dedicated to our own responsible gambling strategy, and remain committed to achieving our ‘Journey Towards Zero’ through better education and technology development.”