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ambling advertisement’s will not appear at Big Bash League (BBL) matches played in New South Wales (NSW), after Cricket NSW and the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling officially announced a two-year ‘GambleAware’ partnership.
GambleAware will be the official partner of Cricket NSW’s brands: the NSW Blues, the NSW Breakers, the Sydney Sixers and the Sydney Thunder teams.
There was already a ban on gambling advertising on free-to-air TV broadcasts during and within 30 minutes of Big Bash games.
Cricket NSW chief executive officer, Lee Germon, said it was important to teach kids from a young age gambling is a big concern when growing up.
“We recognise the impact that constant sports betting advertising can have on young people and their families – particularly young men,” Germon said.
“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.
“We are a purpose and values-based organisation, and we are very happy to be able to partner with another organisation that brings a high level of social responsibility,” he said.
Responsible Gambling Fund chair, John Dalzell, welcomed the partnership saying it was a step in the right direction, raising awareness of the issues surrounding sports gambling.
“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,” Dalzell said.
“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,” he said.
It is estimated more than $3 billion is bet on the BBL each summer, and Cricket Australia monitors more than 140 betting sites around the world to track potential match-fixing issues.