The Geelong Football Club, an Australian Rules team, has pledged its support to the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s “Love the Game” initiative, taking a stance against the commonplace nature of sports wagering.

In their match against the Western Bulldogs on Friday evening, the Cats will make a strong statement by guaranteeing Geelong Stadium is entirely devoid of gambling promotions. They proudly stand alongside over five hundred sporting organizations across Victoria committed to delivering a sporting environment free from the sway of gambling.

The Cats emphasized the concerning figure that almost one-third of sports betting in Victoria is conducted by males between 18 and 24, a demographic inundated with gambling advertisements while enjoying their beloved sports. This age group has matured with sports betting as an unavoidable element of the game, and the Cats, in unison with all ten Victorian AFL squads, are taking action to safeguard youth from the pervasive character of sports betting marketing.

This action follows a 2020 study that revealed a significant 88% of Victorian sports enthusiasts believe young individuals are subjected to excessive gambling promotions. This apprehension is justified given the dramatic surge in gambling advertising spending in Australia, which escalated from a mere $89.7 million in 2011 to a staggering $2.32 billion in 2019.

“Maintaining our club’s separation from gambling and gaming is paramount,” stated Bryce Cox, Geelong Cats Chief Commercial Officer. “We take pride in providing a stadium experience devoid of any form of sports betting promotion.”

The Geelong Football Club has rejected proposals for sports wagering partnerships. The organization aims to highlight the passion for the sport and minimize youth exposure to gambling promotions. They posit that athletic competitions are more engaging when concentrating on the on-field competition rather than sideline betting.