EPIC Risk Management has announced the appointment of Brianne Doura-Schawohl as Vice President of US Policy and Strategic Development. 

Doura-Schawohl, who most recently served as Legislative Director for the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), joins the independent gambling harm minimization consultancy which boasts clients including Barclays, British Army, Chelsea Football Club and the English Football League. 

Speaking about her new role at EPIC, Doura-Schawohl said: “It is a privilege to join the impressive and dedicated team of professionals at EPIC Risk Management. EPIC combines world-class risk management, problem and responsible gambling strategies with the latest global research and most importantly, lived experience. My emphasis will be in supporting those initiatives in partnership with states, regulators, operators, and consumers.

“I am elated to facilitate the creation of national problem and responsible gambling solutions in the areas of policy, education, training, treatment, and resources in the expanding US gambling market; in a quest to further mitigate risk and reduce the harm that can impact some individuals from gambling.”

With a history of experience and achievements in United States Congressional legislative work – including a diverse portfolio of complex problem gambling policy issues – Doura-Schawohl’s experience has extended to a wide range of work with executive and legislative branch officials and private sector stakeholders at the international, federal, state, and local levels of government.

Her addition to EPIC’s team is one that Sr VP of US Operations John Millington believes will ‘strengthen’ the organization’s mission of taking the problem out of gambling and encouraging, supporting and engendering a safer and ultimately more sustainable gambling industry in the US.

“This is a very important step for EPIC’s impact in the US and one that we are extremely excited about,” said Millington. “Brianne’s history working with key stakeholders in the gambling industry on problem and responsible gambling is second to none, and combined with EPIC’s experience and expertise this is a major statement of intent. This appointment only strengthens our mission to take the problem out of gambling and create a safe and sustainable industry in the US.” 

EPIC is currently partnering with the GVC Foundation US to deliver a program of responsible gambling education to professional and college athletes across the US. It has recently announced collaborations with the NFLPA Professional Athletes Foundation and the Division of Addiction at Harvard Medical School as the organization’s work continues to blossom stateside. 

Millington added: “We will continue to work with highest risk, hardest to reach populations to help them to better understand problems and responsible gambling, to recognize markers of harm and vulnerability, to be able to identify those at risk and to have the tools to interact effectively with those most vulnerable. 

“We will also continue to provide advisory and advocacy in the areas of culture change, policy and procedure and responsible branding and messaging.  In order to do this more effectively we believe in working with the very best who show a genuine commitment to responsible gambling.

“The latest step in this mission is the appointment to the EPIC team of one of the leading individuals in the US responsible gambling space. The addition of Brianne is a boost for our organization and we’re all looking forward to tapping into her extensive experience and skill set.”

Founder and CEO of EPIC Risk Management Paul Buck also hailed the appointment of Doura-Schawohl, saying: “This is a significant day in the EPIC Risk Management story.  With the appointment of Brianne, we are welcoming an individual of considerable skill and influence in the problem and responsible gambling sector in the US. This is an extremely exciting development in terms of our strategic direction in the US as we look to raise awareness of the risks problem gambling can pose to individuals, businesses and society.”