- Gambling Harm Awareness Week runs from 24 to 30 July 2023
- The Palaszczuk Government will partner with Queensland Cricket to raise awareness of the risks of sports betting and the support available.
- Brisbane Heat cricket players will be promoting how sport can be enjoyed without the need to bet on the outcome.
The theme for Gambling Harm Awareness Week (GHAW) 2023 is 'Safer gambling, we all have a role to play' and it is a call to action for all Queenslanders to play their part in minimising harm.
Around 70 per cent of adult Queenslanders gamble and last year they spent almost $6 billion on the pokies, playing keno and lottery, gambling at casinos and online wagering.
In recent years we have seen a substantial increase in sports and race betting nationwide, with young Australians aged 18-34 most often increasing their bets in response to advertising on TV or online.
In Queensland, research conducted this year has found more than half of young people aged 14-25 surveyed, felt that betting on sport is part of Queensland's culture.
According to the survey of sports fans, while Queensland women spend around half the amount that men spend on gambling, the spend gap between males and females narrows substantially when looking at young punters aged 18-25.
That's why the Palaszczuk Government has partnered with Queensland Cricket to raise awareness of the risks associated with sports betting amongst young people and families, and the free 24/7 support that's available.
Brisbane Heat players will be reminding spectators and cricket fans why they don't need to place a bet to enjoy the game. They will not only be targeting their younger audience but also parents, encouraging them to have the conversation with their kids about the dangers of sports betting and wagering.
If you or someone you know might need help with gambling, visit Gambling Help Queensland or ring 1800 858 858, and start a conversation today.
Read the Gambling harm minimisation plan for Queensland 2021-25 about a range of other initiatives to tackle gambling harm and the work being done to provide safer gambling environments for Queenslanders.
Gambling Help Services across the state will be running events and activities during GHAW. You can find more information online about events near you.
Quotes attributable to the Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Leanne Linard:
"We want Queenslanders of all ages to enjoy their favourite sports game without feeling the need to place a bet on the outcome.
"I am a big fan of sport, especially women's sport and it's fantastic to see Queensland is hosting some of the FIFA Women's World Cup games.
"However, it is worrying to see the amount of money young people are spending on sports betting in Queensland.
"In 2021, the Palaszczuk Government released a four-year Gambling Harm Minimisation Plan 2021-25 that sets out our goals to reduce gambling harm in Queensland.
"Today's partnership announcement with Queensland Cricket aligns with our Plan and is just one of the ways the Palaszczuk Government is playing its role in tackling gambling harm."
Quotes attributable to Shannon Fentiman MP:
"As a co-patron of the Brisbane Heat's WBBL team, I'm so excited about the Palaszczuk Government's new partnership with Queensland Cricket announced today.
"We know young people look up to their sporting heroes and perhaps if they hear from some of Queensland's top cricketers about the harms of what seems like a harmless bet, then that could go a long way.
"There is no doubt that gambling is a complex social issue that not only impacts the gambler themselves, but their family, workplace and the wider community too.
"Gambling Harm Awareness Week and events like today's have never been so important for sending the message that we don't need to place a bet to enjoy the game."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Cricket General Manager - Sales and Partnerships Adam Dale:
"The Brisbane Heat looks forward to spreading the message about responsible sports betting through the WBBL and BBL competitions this season.
"With so many families making Heat matches an integral part of their summer, we believe this partnership can enhance the conversation around gambling.
"It is important that we utilise the club's profile to assist with educating fans about making sensible decisions around sports betting, when they attend Heat games at the Gabba, Allan Border Field and Great Barrier Reef Arena this summer."
