Melbourne United takes a stand against sports betting promotion

Melbourne United is pleased to announce it will partner with the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s Love the Game program for the upcoming NBL season.

United CEO Nick Truelson said he is proud that the club is partnering with an organisation that is committed to their community service.

“Our club purpose is to use the power of basketball to inspire, entertain and enrich people's lives, therefore it is also vital to us that we are strongly supporting community social issues,” he said.

“Hence, we are very proud to play our part to raise awareness of the risks associated with gambling and the potential for negative consequences.

“Being a family-oriented team, children look up to the team members as role models and we want to have a positive effect within our community by working closely with the Foundation.”

The Love the Game program has more than 700 partners across Victoria, including sporting clubs, local leagues and peak bodies in a range of codes. Melbourne United unites with them in committing to reduce the exposure of young people to gambling promotion by saying no to sports betting sponsorship.

Foundation CEO Shane Lucas welcomed Melbourne United to the Love the Game program.

“Our research shows that men aged 18–24 years make up a third of sports bettors in Victoria and that participation in sports gambling by women in the same age group is increasing,” Mr Lucas said.

“With an average of 948 gambling ads broadcast daily on free-to-air TV in Victoria last year, it’s important that young people learn about the risks before they are old enough to bet.

“Melbourne United’s partnership adds strength to the growing number of voices encouraging kids to love the game, not the odds.”

To learn more, visit https://lovethegame.vic.gov.au/.

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.