Fans of the Central Coast Mariners FC will continue to enjoy A-League games with less sports betting advertising thanks to a new Reclaim the Game partnership with GambleAware.
Under the new partnership, the Club will turn down sports betting sponsorships and eliminate sports betting advertising at their home games across both the men's and women's A-League teams.
The Mariners will also work to educate fans, players and staff about the risks and harms which can arise from gambling.
Reclaim the Game launched in 2020 and has grown to include 19 teams across six codes in NSW. It has reached millions of sports fans, both on TV and in stadiums.
The Mariners, who continue to grow in popularity, particularly off their back-to-back men's A-League titles over the past two seasons, are the first Central Coast sporting club to sign on for this awareness initiative.
The Central Coast has a high rate of gambling participation and Reclaim the Game will remind fans that they can enjoy watching their team without spending their hard-earned money on betting.
A recent survey conducted by Reclaim the Game suggests that Mariners' fans are on board with the new partnership. In the survey, 85% of fans agreed that there is too much gambling advertising.
As well as the new Mariners' partnership, GambleAware has extended its partnerships with the Western Sydney Wanderers, and Cricket NSW which includes Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder.
For more information on Reclaim the Game visit: www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/awareness-campaigns/reclaim-the-game.
The Minns Labor Government has a strong track record on reducing gambling harm since coming into office, including:
- Committing $100 million to harm minimisation - investing in research, treatment, services and reform
- Establishing an Independent Panel of experts overseeing a cashless gaming trial
- Banning all external gambling signage in venues and introducing Responsible Gambling Officers for venues with more than 20 machines
- Forbidding political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines.
For free and confidential gambling support 24/7 call GambleAware on 1800 858 858.
Minister for Gaming and Racing and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:
"Sports betting advertising and sponsorship is just about everywhere. We see it across most codes and many fans don't know sport without it.
"The NSW Government, through Reclaim the Game, is partnering with sporting clubs to take a stand and challenge the impact that sports betting advertising has on fans.
"All our partners are committed to eliminating sports betting advertising at their home games, and to take action in educating their fans, players and staff about the potential harms of sports betting.
"It's no secret I'm a big fan of the mighty Mariners, so I am absolutely delighted by this new partnership, which will have a positive impact on the Central Coast."
Mariners CEO Alyssar Narey said:
"We are proud to partner with the NSW Government's Reclaim the Game initiative.
"This collaboration underscores our commitment to promoting a healthy and positive environment in sports, where our players and fans can thrive without the influence of gambling.
"Together, we can create a stronger community and ensure that the joy of the game remains at the forefront."
About Reclaim the Game:
Reclaim the Game was launched in 2020. 19 teams from six codes are partners in the program:
Rugby League:
1. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
2. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Basketball:
3. Illawarra Hawks
4. Sydney Kings
5. Sydney Flames
Football (Soccer):
6. Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League men's)
7. Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League women's)
8. Central Coast Mariners (A-League men's)
9. Central Coast Mariners (A-League women's)
Cricket:
10. Sydney Sixers (BBL)
11. Sydney Sixers (WBBL)
12. Sydney Thunder (BBL)
13. Sydney Thunder (WBBL)
14. NSW Blues
15. NSW Breakers
Australian Football League (AFL):
16. Sydney Swans (AFL)
17. Sydney Swans (AFLW)
Netball:
18. NSW Swifts
19. GIANTS Netball
