Cricket NSW Bans Sports Betting Ads In New ‘GambleAware’ Partnership

A two-year partnership between Cricket NSW and the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling has been launched today, allowing cricket fans to enjoy their sport free of gambling advertising.

John Dalzell, Chair of the Responsible Gambling Fund said the two-year ‘GambleAware’ partnership aims to address the normalisation of sports betting, particularly for children, and to raise awareness of gambling harms.

“For the next two years, there will be no gambling advertising at grounds where NSW Big Bash League matches are played, in addition to the existing ban on free-to-air TV broadcasts during and within 30 minutes of matches,” Dalzell said.

“GambleAware will be an official partner of Cricket NSW, the NSW Blues, the NSW Breakers, the Sydney Sixers and the Sydney Thunder men and women’s teams.”

Dalzell said he applauds Cricket NSW for taking a leadership role and a principled ‘no gambling advertising or sponsorship’ stance that will provide a more family friendly experience at NSW Big Bash League events.

“Young people are under immense pressure to fit in and are more likely to take up gambling if they consider it to be a normal part of sport and they assume that everyone’s doing it.”

“Having matches free of gambling advertising means families can reclaim the game and go back to enjoying sport without the concern that children are being constantly exposed to sports betting promotions.

“It will remove the assumption that gambling is a normal part of cricket and it will refocus attention back on the game and the players; the way it should be.”

In addition to saying no to wagering advertising and promotion at NSW Big Bash League events, the $260,000 partnership will see GambleAware take up ‘Presenting Partner’ rights to one Sydney Sixers and one Sydney Thunder match this season, as well as providing gambling awareness education to Cricket NSW staff and players.

Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon said the exciting new partnership provides an opportunity for both organisations to deliver on their commitments to preventing and reducing gambling harm.

“Through this partnership we hope to make a positive contribution to changing the community’s attitudes towards sport and sports betting,” Germon said.

“We recognise the impact that constant sports betting advertising can have on young people and their families – particularly young men.

“The idea that kids are led to believe gambling is a normal part of sport is a real concern, so this is a step in the right direction that we’re proud to be taking.”

This week is GambleAware Week, a NSW Government initiative to increase awareness of gambling and gambling harm in the community, and to educate the public on how to spot the signs that gambling is getting out of hand.

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