Cricket Victoria encourages young people to love the game, not the odds

Cricket Victoria is the latest sporting group to say no to gambling sponsorships by signing the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s responsible gambling charter.

All 26 Premier cricket clubs across Victoria have signed the charter and agreed not to make sponsorship agreements with betting agencies and sports bookmakers.

Cricket Victoria CEO Tony Dodemaide says signing the responsible gambling charter will increase the Victorian cricket community’s awareness of the risks of gambling harm and encourage its players to love of the game, not the odds.

“We think it’s an important program, particularly with the levels of gambling harm certain areas of our community,’ he said.

‘We’ll be working with the Victorian cricket community to highlight the importance of this initiative and I encourage others to be a part of it – from grassroots through to premier cricket level.’

Cricket Victoria will work closely with community clubs to send the message that playing sport is exciting enough without having a bet.

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation acting chief executive Craig Swift welcomed Cricket Victoria to the program, which sees around 250 other elite and local Victorian sporting clubs promoting the responsible gambling message.

“We’re really excited to have Cricket Victoria sign the responsible gambling charter and be part of our Love the Game program.

‘By signing the charter and saying no to gambling sponsorships, Cricket Victoria is playing a vital role in creating safe, healthy environments at their Premier cricket clubs.

‘Gambling advertising is changing the way young people experience sport and Cricket Victoria is showing leadership in the community by signing the charter and raising awareness about the risks of betting.’

For more information about the Foundation’s Love the Game program visit www.lovethegame.vic.gov.au