Problem Gambling Awareness Month begins Wednesday and a major sports organization has enhanced its standing.
Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., the PGA TOUR announced Monday that it has joined the Leadership Circle of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). The PGA also renewed its Platinum membership with NCPG, a Washington D.C.-based non-profit organization that aims to be the national advocate to mitigate harm related to gambling.
By joining the NCPG, organizations such as the PGA hope to enhance overall operations and bring sustainability, growth and innovation.
There is no legal Florida sports betting but betting on PGA events certainly is prevalent throughout the United States and beyond.
How Renewed Commitment Will Work
The PGA TOUR will launch a cross-platform marketing campaign in support of NCPG’s Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which it hopes will elevate the word around problem gambling education and resources. Look for a series of branded and other media channels throughout the month.
“Properly preparing and educating our fanbase on responsible gambling will always be a key focal point of our sports betting strategy at the PGA TOUR,” said Scott Warfield, vice president of gaming for the PGA TOUR, in a news release. “The National Council on Problem Gambling is committed to those same causes, and we are proud to join their Leadership Circle as we continue to promote the core values of responsible wagering.”
The PGA TOUR joins several other leading sports and betting organizations in the Leadership Circle, including the TOUR’s official betting operators: FanDuel and DraftKings.
“We are grateful for the support of the PGA TOUR and look forward to continued collaboration as we work to provide golf fans across the country with responsible gambling education,” said NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte. “The extensive reach of the PGA TOUR will increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment & recovery services during Problem Gambling Awareness Month and throughout the year.”
If you or someone you know might have a gambling problem, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gamblerchat.org, the NCPG’s 24-hour hotlines. Help is free and confidential.
A lawsuit to get legal wagering in Florida is still pending. BetFlorida.com provided an update a few months back.
This Week on the PGA TOUR
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler returns to Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando for the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard.
World No. 1 Jon Rahm - with three wins in six TOUR starts this season - leads a star-studded field as 44 of the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking are set to tee it up at Bay Hill - the most in any event since last year’s Open Championship.
According to early DraftKings Sportsbook odds to win on Monday afternoon, Rahm is the favorite this week at +650.
He is followed by Rory McIlroy (+900), Scheffler (+1000), Max Homa (+1800) and Collin Morikawa (both +1800).
