The Geelong Football Club, an Australian Rules team, has pledged their support to the “Love the Game” initiative spearheaded by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.
Although wagering promotions won’t be found within GMHBA Stadium, the Cats are making a statement against sports wagering during their match against the Western Bulldogs.
The Cats are just one of over five hundred athletic organizations in Victoria that have committed to rejecting sports betting partnerships. They are honored to stand united with all ten Victorian AFL teams, dedicated to protecting young supporters from the onslaught of sports betting advertisements.
It’s a mounting worry, with almost one-third of all sports wagers in Victoria placed by young males between 18 and 24. The Cats emphasized how this demographic has matured inundated with sports betting commercials during live matches, making this conduct seem normal from a young age.
This is not a marginal problem; a 2020 poll disclosed that a staggering 88% of Victorian sports enthusiasts believe young individuals are oversaturated with sports betting marketing. The industry’s dramatic expansion, with an expenditure of $232 million AUD on advertising in 2019 compared to a mere $89.7 million in 2011, clearly illustrates the matter at hand.
“Avoiding gambling and gaming is crucial for our organization, and we take great pride in guaranteeing our stadium remains a sports betting advertisement-free area,” stated Bryce Cox, Geelong Cats Chief Commercial Officer.
The Geelong Cats demonstrate a firm dedication to encouraging responsible gaming practices. Participating in the “Love the Game” initiative, spearheaded by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, they have opted to decline financial support from sports wagering entities. This decision stems from the club’s belief that it will minimize supporter exposure to gambling promotions, particularly among youth, and foster an appreciation for the sport in its purest form.
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