New campaign to reignite Queenslanders’ love for sport without placing a bet
- Cricket fans are reminded to ‘Forget the bet. Enjoy the game’ at the opening night of the men’s Big Bash League.
- The campaign is a result of a partnership between the Queensland Government and Queensland Cricket to raise awareness of the risks of sports betting.
The new campaign launched at the Gabba is aimed at young sports fans and their parents, encouraging them to have the conversation about sports betting and the risks of gambling harm.
Gambling and sport have become so entwined it can be hard to separate the two, especially for children and young people.
A recent survey found more than half of young Queenslanders aged 14 to 25 felt that betting on sport is part of Queensland’s culture.
Research also shows us that young people who have positive perceptions of gambling are more likely to experience harm from gambling later in life.
This is why it’s important that young people can break that association and be aware of the risks involved in betting.
The campaign encourages anyone concerned about their sports betting to make a Forget the bet game plan with simple, practical things everyone can do to avoid getting in trouble.
These include:
- Set a limit on the money you spend on betting—sports betting providers must give the option to set a deposit limit.
- Don’t bet when you are under the influence of alcohol, or if you feel down or anxious.
- Be careful with promotional bets, free bets and cash-back offers as they can lead you to spend more time and money sports betting than you intended.
- Turn off sports betting app push notifications and unsubscribe from marketing messages.
- Review your activity statements, track your spending and take note if it’s increasing. Sport betting providers must email you a monthly statement.
The campaign will be running at Brisbane Heat home games across the 2023–24 season, online and via social media. The community is encouraged to download resources to help promote the ‘Forget the bet’ message.
For more information or to download campaign resources visit: www.qld.gov.au/forgetthebet
If you, a friend or family member needs free and confidential support, contact Gambling Help Queensland on 1800 858 858 or visit https://www.gamblinghelpqld.org.au
If you need to take a break, sign up for BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register where you can ban yourself for 3 months or more from sports betting.
Quotes attributable to Commissioner of Liquor and Gaming Regulation Victoria Thomson:
“Cricket season is here and it’s a sport that so many Queenslanders grow up with.
“Whether it’s a game of backyard cricket at a BBQ or watching the Boxing Day Test over the Christmas break, cricket draws fans of all ages.
“This partnership with Queensland Cricket will be sending a strong message to spectators and sports fans that they don’t need to place a bet to enjoy the game.
“We are not only targeting a younger audience but also their parents, encouraging them to have the important conversation with their kids about the dangers of sports betting and wagering.
“This campaign is one way we are working to prevent harm from gambling and we are committed to looking at what more we can do to support Queenslanders to reach out for help.”
ENDS