- Published:
- Thursday 13 July 2017
Geelong Football Club have become the latest team to say no to gambling sponsorship by signing the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s responsible gambling charter.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz joined Geelong Football Club CEO Brian Cook and Vice-Captain Harry Taylor, as well as Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Deputy Chair Mary Anne Hartley and CEO Louise Glanville for the announcement.
Geelong Football Club’s signing of the responsible gambling charter means all 10 Victorian-based AFL teams are rejecting gambling sponsorship.
With Simonds Stadium already a pokie-free zone, today Geelong Football Club also announced that by 2020 there will be a complete prohibition of gambling advertising displayed on the LED signage at the ground, when the current contract expires.
The responsible gambling charter commits sporting clubs to limiting the exposure of young people to gambling activities and advertising. Clubs which sign the charter forego sponsorship from betting companies.
For more information visit lovethegame.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Marlene Kairouz
“To have all 10 Victorian-based AFL teams commit to the responsible gambling charter sends a strong message that it’s the game that’s exciting, not the odds.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is very supportive of the charter and it’s fantastic to see Geelong Football Club become the 14th Victorian-based elite sporting team to join in.”
Quotes attributable to CEO of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Louise Glanville
“Geelong is a great club with strong and sustained community support. Its commitment to the charter and to loving the game benefits us all.”
“This provides a great platform to get our messages across to the Cats’ fan base and the broader AFL community.”
Quotes attributable to CEO of the Geelong Football Club Brian Cook
“There is a large amount of gambling advertising around AFL matches, ideally we want our fans to be able to come along to our games and enjoy it without the odds.”
“We’re pleased to partner with the foundation as we look to minimise the exposure of gambling messages at Simonds Stadium in the future.”