Melbourne Rebels sign Responsible Gambling Charter

The Melbourne Rebels have signed the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s responsible gambling charter, standing shoulder to shoulder with an impressive line-up of elite sporting teams saying no to gambling sponsorships.

Managing Director of the Melbourne Rebels Andrew Cox met with Acting CEO of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, Craig Swift to sign the charter, making a commitment to separate the game of rugby from harmful gaming practises.

The Rebels signing is of particular significance to VRGF as we work to extend the number of codes represented in our Love The Game Program. Craig Swift welcomed The Rebels to the program, which sees around 250 other elite and local Victorian sporting clubs promoting the responsible gambling message.

“The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation really values the partnership with the Melbourne Rebels, it’s a great platform to get our messaging across to the fan base and broader rugby community.

“As we know the increased amount of advertising and access to gaming products is increasing all the time and we are concerned with the amount of gambling related harm that is seeping throughout Victoria community.

“Through this great partnership we can separate gaming from the game and get the message across to love the game and not the odds,” Swift said.

For Mr Cox, the partnership empowers lovers of rugby to pour their passion and attention into the on field spectacle first and foremost.

“Gambling in sport is exploding and we want our players, members and supporters to be excited about what the team is doing not the odds you can get from betting on them”.

Having the Rebels senior players involved is really important.  The guys are in the age groups that the sport betting agencies target, and we want the boys to be focussed on playing the game and not the odds.”

The Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz congratulated the Rebels on signing the charter.

“We want young sport fans to be talking about their favourite teams, not the odds of them winning. I commend the Rebels for showing leadership in the rugby community and becoming a champion of the Responsible Gambling Charter."