Ballarat sports clubs focus on love of game, not odds

Ballarat sporting clubs have become the first community clubs in Victoria to join the Foundation’s ‘Gambling’s not a game’ responsible gambling program to protect young people from the risks of gambling.

As a demonstration of their commitment, North Ballarat Sports Club, Ballarat Basketball Association, Ballarat Leagues Club, Sebastopol Bowls Club and Midlands Golf Club have signed the Foundation’s Responsible Gambling Charter.

Foundation chief executive officer Serge Sardo says the positive response from Ballarat clubs indicates an appetite for gambling education in the region.

“We look forward to working with clubs throughout the Ballarat region to provide members, players and sports fans of all ages with information about responsible gambling and ways to help protect the young people in their lives,” said Mr Sardo.

The clubs will also encourage those sporting clubs they fund throughout the Ballarat region to follow their lead.

North Ballarat Sports Club CEO Mark Patterson sees the group of clubs playing a leadership role on responsible gambling in the community.

“Every day our clubs meet responsible gambling regulation measures that protect our members, but we want to go a step further to protect and educate our members and sporting groups, particularly young people and their parents,” said Mr Patterson.

The program is part of the Foundation’s youth engagement strategy, which aims to raise awareness about the risks of gambling to young people and includes the KidBet public awareness campaign, a guide for parents, a program for schools and a dedicated youth helpline.

The Foundation developed the strategy in response to evidence indicating young people are influenced by gambling through sport, advertising, online games and social media.

For more information about the program visit Kidbet - Sporting club.