GVC inks integrity led partnership with Professional Players Federation
Sports betting firm will aid integrity efforts providing education for athletes
GVC Holdings has agreed an integrity-led partnership with the Professional Players Federation (PPF), an organisation which represents professional sportspeople in the UK.
Under the terms of the new partnership, GVC will contribute to PPF education initiatives in the areas of sports betting integrity, allowing the PPF to support professional player associations in various sports around the UK.
Financial support provided by GVC will help to fund tutor training, team educational visits and e-learning programmes in a range of different sports targeting young players and senior professionals.
There are currently over 17,500 professional athletes in the UK, in sports ranging from football to athletics.
David Foster, GVC head of regulatory affairs, called the PPF’s work “vital” in protecting the integrity of UK sporting professionals at the highest levels of international sport.
“British sport is amongst the most respected in the world and is intrinsically linked to our business,” Foster said. “That is why we believe it is important that we play our part to guard against the dangers and temptations that young professional sportspeople may face,” Foster added.
Last month, GVC announced the launch of the GVC Foundation, a body which will focus on responsible gambling, sporting integrity and gambling regulation research, education and treatment, as well as grassroots, women’s and disability sports and men’s mental health.
PPF chair Brendon Batson called greater education the best defence against the threat of match fixing within sport.
“GVC’s support will enable us to expand our education to include more sports and reach more athletes with a special emphasis on young players,” Batson said.
“The partnership is a great example of how sport and the betting industry are working together protect British sport and its reputation for integrity,” he added.