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The Alliance for Gambling Reform is urging Australian cricket not to significantly boost its wagering product fees, as the major football codes have, warning it will have devastating impacts on children.
The chief advocate of the Alliance, Tim Costello, said it was deeply disturbing that cricket was considering dramatically boosting its links to big gambling.
“Australians are already the biggest losers in the world per capita when it comes to gambling losses, losing a staggering $31 billion. This is causing social harm on an industrial scale including financial hardship, marriage break ups, domestic violence and suicide,” Rev. Costello said.
“But it is also clear that through our sport our children are exposed to gambling advertisement and this is having tragic consequences.
“Research reveals that 600,000 young people under 18 are already gambling, spending $18m annually. If gambling were a sport, it would be the most popular sports of Australia’s youth.”
The warning follows media reports that Cricket Australia is considering options, such as boosting its wagering revenue, to help fund its revenue shortfall.
Rev. Costello said Cricket Australia was to be praised for putting limits on its exposure to gambling.
“We know that cricket resisted the temptation to plaster the Big Bash League with gambling ads because of the number of children that follow this format of the game. This is the right thing to do.
“The AFL and NRL are all in on gambling – they even get a cut of bets when supporters of the game bet and lose. They have sold out their sports and our children are suffering as a result.
“We implore Cricket Australia and its State leagues to do the right thing and protect our kids.”
“Australian children deserve to grow up in a country that puts their wellbeing before corporate profits.”
Tim Costello is available for interview on 0411 633 446
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