A-league adopts responsible gambling education for players

A-league football teams in Australia and New Zealand will receive responsible gambling education from the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation as part of Professional Football Australia’s player induction program.

Recognising that gambling was a relevant issue for their players, the Professional Football Australia approached the Foundation to deliver the sessions to all 10 A-league teams ahead of the 2014-15 season.

Building on the Foundation’s successful program for Victorian sporting clubs, the new partnership marks the first time the Foundation has extended its reach interstate and across the Tasman.

The education sessions aim to raise awareness among players about the risks associated with gambling and provide tips for responsible gambling.

During the sessions, the Foundation’s presenters also explore how to identify the signs of problem gambling and provide information on the available support services for anyone needing help.

The sessions form part of a broader induction program for the clubs that include seminars on financial literacy, social media and code of conduct training.

Wellington Phoenix were the first club to kick off the sessions and responded well, particularly to the story of Foundation ambassador Matt Torcasio, who talks to the players about his own struggle with gambling.

The Foundation’s Gambling’s not a game team will spend most of September travelling to the remaining A-league clubs to present its session to the players.    For more information about responsible gambling for sporting clubs visit http://kidbet.com.au/sporting-clubs/