Premier

Love The Game Not The Odds

06 July 2017

Footballers across Victoria will encourage fans to love the game and forget the odds this weekend, to combat the normalisation of betting in sport.

Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz joined Acting CEO of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Craig Swift and a number of AFL players on Monday to officially launch the Love the Game round at North Melbourne Football Club.

Research shows two-thirds of children aged between eight and 16 can name at least one sports betting brand and one in five can identify three or more.

The round aims to remind fans that they don’t need to place a bet to enjoy the footy, or any other sport.

More than 20 AFL Vic leagues and commissions will dedicate matches across Melbourne and regional Victoria to the Love the Game round which runs from 7 July to 9 July.

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 lovethegame.vic.gov.auExternal Link

Quotes attributable to Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz

“Love the Game round is a great initiative that reminds us that gambling and sport don’t need to go hand in hand.”

“The normalisation of gambling in sport needs a united response and it’s great to see such strong support from the AFL and sporting clubs across Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Acting CEO Craig Swift

“Gambling advertising is changing the way people experience sport. Raising awareness and better educating the community on the harmful effects of gambling plays a big part in addressing the issue.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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