Toledo Athletics renewed its partnership with Zepf Center, reinforcing both organizations’ commitment to building a healthier sports culture amid the rapid growth of legalized sports betting.
Toledo Athletics Renews Partnership with Zepf Center
2/27/2026 9:52:00 AM | Athletics
Partnership supports Ohio’s More Than A Bet campaign, reinforcing a commitment to promoting a healthier sports culture
TOLEDO , Ohio — The University of Toledo Department of Athletics today announced the renewal of its partnership with Zepf Center, reinforcing both organizations' commitment to student-athlete well-being and promoting a healthier sports culture amid the rapid growth of legalized sports betting.
This renewed collaboration aligns with "More Than A Bet," a statewide initiative from Ohio for Responsible Gambling. The campaign provides resources to help coaches, student-athletes, counselors, educators, and community members understand and address the increasingly common issue of gambling-related harassment.
"More Than A Bet" offers online tools and guidance to support individuals facing harassment tied to sports wagering -- an area of concern that has grown significantly with expanding online betting access. Toledo Athletics amplifies the campaign's messages through a comprehensive awareness effort that includes:
"While we recognize the entertainment value legalized sports betting brings to fans, we also see the darker side -- instances where our student-athletes are subjected to harassment, online abuse, and undue pressure tied to betting outcomes. Our young people are more than statistics or wagers; they are students, leaders, and young adults striving for excellence in competition, in the classroom and in life. This campaign helps shift public perception, educate fans, and provide critical resources for our student-athletes."
Zepf Center, a longtime partner in supporting mental health and wellness across Northwest Ohio, plays a central role in community engagement and education.
"We're proud to collaborate with the University of Toledo and engage the community through Ohio's 'More Than a Bet' campaign," said Megan Poliquin, Manager of Gambling Treatment and Prevention at Zepf Center. "By addressing harassment, stress, and the impact of sports betting, we can all help create a safer, more supportive sports environment for athletes and fans."
About Zepf Center
Celebrating over 50 years of service, Zepf Center is dedicated to creating hope and recovery through integrated, trauma-informed, person-centered services. With a rich history of helping those in need, Zepf Center provides behavioral health and vocational services to youth and adults throughout Northwest Ohio. Through purposeful programs and comprehensive care, the organization empowers clients at every stage of recovery.
This renewed collaboration aligns with "More Than A Bet," a statewide initiative from Ohio for Responsible Gambling. The campaign provides resources to help coaches, student-athletes, counselors, educators, and community members understand and address the increasingly common issue of gambling-related harassment.
"More Than A Bet" offers online tools and guidance to support individuals facing harassment tied to sports wagering -- an area of concern that has grown significantly with expanding online betting access. Toledo Athletics amplifies the campaign's messages through a comprehensive awareness effort that includes:
- Game-day presence through stadium signage, scoreboard messaging, public address announcements, and social media spotlights
- Student-athlete storytelling that highlights athletes as students, leaders, and multidimensional individuals beyond their on-field performance
- Fan and community engagement through outreach tables, brief gambling screens, campus educational events, and collaborations with campus wellness programs
"While we recognize the entertainment value legalized sports betting brings to fans, we also see the darker side -- instances where our student-athletes are subjected to harassment, online abuse, and undue pressure tied to betting outcomes. Our young people are more than statistics or wagers; they are students, leaders, and young adults striving for excellence in competition, in the classroom and in life. This campaign helps shift public perception, educate fans, and provide critical resources for our student-athletes."
Zepf Center, a longtime partner in supporting mental health and wellness across Northwest Ohio, plays a central role in community engagement and education.
"We're proud to collaborate with the University of Toledo and engage the community through Ohio's 'More Than a Bet' campaign," said Megan Poliquin, Manager of Gambling Treatment and Prevention at Zepf Center. "By addressing harassment, stress, and the impact of sports betting, we can all help create a safer, more supportive sports environment for athletes and fans."
About Zepf Center
Celebrating over 50 years of service, Zepf Center is dedicated to creating hope and recovery through integrated, trauma-informed, person-centered services. With a rich history of helping those in need, Zepf Center provides behavioral health and vocational services to youth and adults throughout Northwest Ohio. Through purposeful programs and comprehensive care, the organization empowers clients at every stage of recovery.
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