Western United is proud to announce a partnership with the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation under the Love the Game program, which aims to reduce young people’s exposure to sports betting promotions and challenge the normalisation of sports gambling.
Western United CEO Chris Pehlivanis today praised the Club for joining the growing number of codes and teams saying no to sports betting sponsorships.
“We’re proud to take a stand and join the Foundation in spreading the word that gambling and sport don’t have to go together,” he said.
“Western United’s main goals are, and always will be, to support our people and to make a positive contribution to local communities. The Love the Game partnership, which prioritises the wellbeing of our young people, is consistent with these goals.
“We want to encourage the football community, including spectators, to love the game and not get caught up in the gambling industry’s promotion of the betting odds.”
Foundation CEO Shane Lucas welcomed Western United to the Love the Game program.
“Our research shows that men aged 18–24 years place one in three sports bets in Victoria and that participation in sports gambling by women in the same age group is increasing, so it’s important to ensure that young people learn about the risks early,” Mr Lucas said.
“Western United’s involvement in the program and their commitment to community means that more young people will be equipped to think critically about the risks associated with gambling and make informed decisions about participating as they come of age.”
The program has amassed more than 600 partners at all levels of sport across the state, from professional clubs and sporting bodies to local Victorian clubs and leagues.
The Foundation works to prevent and reduce gambling harm in Victoria, and to provide treatment and support for those affected.
Anyone negatively affected by their own or someone else’s gambling can access confidential free advice, support and referral 24/7 on 1800 858 858.
