There is usually little common ground between batters and bowlers, but the age old adversaries have united to send the important message that you don’t need to have a punt to enjoy the game.
Cricket Victoria and all 26 men’s and women’s Premier Cricket clubs are the latest sporting group to say no to gambling sponsorship and over this weekend will line up for a Love the Game round.
The round was formally launched today by Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz, Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson and players from Kingston Hawthorn and Ringwood cricket clubs.
The round is aimed at reminding Premier Cricket players and fans you don't need to have a bet to enjoy sport, and starting conversations around gambling harm.
The teams are the latest to sign the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation's (VRGF) responsible gambling charter, bringing the total number of local clubs on board to over 250.
Research shows two-thirds of children aged between eight and 16 can recall the name of at least one sports betting brand and one in five can identify three or more.
The Love the Game round continues the work of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s Love the Game, Not the Odds campaign.
Advice and tips to help parents discuss the risks and harms of sports betting with their kids can be found at
Quotes attributable to Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz
"The grassroots support we have seen here today sends a strong message that we are united as a community to fight the normalisation of gambling."
Quote attributable to Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson
"This is an important step made by Kingston Hawthorn Cricket Club of Mordialloc, along with every other Premier Cricket club in Victoria to prevent the normalisation of gambling in sport."
Quote attributable to Cricket Victoria CEO Tony Dodemaide
"We are committed to creating safe, healthy environments in all of our Premier Cricket clubs with a strong focus on loving the game, not the odds."
Quotes attributable to Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Acting CEO Craig Swift
"I congratulate Cricket Victoria and Premier Cricket clubs for their leadership in signing the responsible gambling charter and creating safe, healthy club environments for players, their families and fans."
Reviewed 19 August 2020