NBA star Charles Oakley and Entain team together for a responsible gaming promotion
The group will finance and educate people about ethical gaming for Oakley's "Oak Out Hunger" project.
The Charles Oakley Foundation, a nonprofit organisation founded by the former power forward, supports underserved and underprivileged areas who are struggling with economic hardship, hunger, and addiction through this programme. It provides education and assistance aimed at combating addiction, including for the first time, responsible gambling.
Giving back to those who are struggling in life is the main goal, according to Oakley. "I am everywhere. And you see people loitering on the streets with nowhere to eat, some of whom are funding their addictions with the little money they have.
"The goal of our programme is to interrupt that loop. Give them some time and a satisfying supper. Have fun and get to know some new individuals."
Beginning in early 2022, the campaign will coincide with a number of important athletic occasions, including the collegiate basketball tournament, March Madness, and the Super Bowl. It will visit various US cities, such as LA, New York, Buffalo, Philadelphia, and New Orleans, as well as a number of academic institutions, such as Indiana University, the University of Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, and Rutgers.
As sports betting gains popularity in many US states, Martin Lycka, Senior VP for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling at Entain and Trustee of the Entain Foundation US, said: "We're committed to doing everything we can to ensure that people only bet what they can afford, which is especially crucial in more underprivileged communities.
"The Oak Out Hunger programme is genuinely exceptional — and successful — in supplying crucial services to poor and needy metropolitan populations across the US. We can educate people who need it most about responsible gaming with the support of The Oakley Foundation.