Cricket Victoria and all 26 men’s and women’s Premier Cricket clubs are the latest sporting group to say no to gambling sponsorship and over this weekend will line up for a Love the Game round.
The round was formally launched today by Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz, Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson and players from Kingston Hawthorn and Ringwood cricket clubs. The round is aimed at reminding Premier Cricket players and fans you don’t need to have a bet to enjoy sport, and starting conversations around gambling harm.
“The grassroots support we have seen here today sends a strong message that we are united as a community to fight the normalisation of gambling.” Minister Kairouz commented.
“This is an important step made by Kingston Hawthorn Cricket Club of Mordialloc, along with every other Premier Cricket club in Victoria to prevent the normalisation of gambling in sport.” Mr. Richardson commented.
Minister Kairouz said that the Love the Game round continues the work of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s Love the Game, Not the Odds campaign. The Minister added that the teams are the latest to sign the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s (VRGF) responsible gambling charter, bringing the total number of local clubs on board to over 250.
“We are committed to creating safe, healthy environments in all of our Premier Cricket clubs with a strong focus on loving the game, not the odds.” Cricket Victoria CEO Tony Dodemaide commented.
“I congratulate Cricket Victoria and Premier Cricket clubs for their leadership in signing the responsible gambling charter and creating safe, healthy club environments for players, their families and fans.” Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Acting CEO Craig Swift. Mr Swift went on to explain that research shows two-thirds of children aged between eight and 16 can recall the name of at least one sports betting brand and one in five can identify three or more.