Adelaide 36ers and Giants join South Australian Government’s anti-sports betting campaign

The Adelaide 36ers NBL franchise and Australian Baseball League team the Adelaide Giants have become the latest professional sporting clubs to reject from sports betting.

The two teams have become part of the South Australian Government’s Here for the Game campaign, joining the Adelaide United A-League team which was an inaugural partner this year.

The Here for the Game program forms part of a broader prevention initiative by the Office for Problem Gambling that aims to raise awareness in the community of the risks inherent to sports betting.

It seeks to challenge cultural norms around sport and gambling while encouraging young people, parents and peers to focus on the positive aspects of sport.

This year’s campaign will include on-ground, television, radio, outdoor, online, and social media ads featuring player ambassadors from all three clubs.

Craig Goodwin, Dylan Holmes and Bernardo Oliveira will represent Adelaide United, Mitch McCarron and Sunday Dech from the 36ers will also take part as will Jordan McArdle from the Giants.

Adelaide United Chief Executive, Nathan Kosmina, advised that says joining the Here For The Game campaign was one of the best decisions they could have made as a club, commenting “it fits with our values as a safe, family-friendly and community-minded club who wants to set positive and healthy behaviour trends.

“We have had overwhelming support from our fans, with especially parents commenting on how proud they are of the club in saying no to sports betting sponsorships and advertising.”

Noting that the franchise aimed to provide families with entertainment in a safe and positive sporting environment, Adelaide 36ers Chief Executive, Nic Barbato noted “we look forward to spreading the message among our fans and the wider South Australian community that you don’t have to place bets to enjoy our games - quite the opposite, come and be a part of the action.”

Adelaide Giants General Manager (Baseball), Nathan Davison “a baseball game is a really hard place to have a bad time at … it’s one of the most engaging, nuanced sports on the planet.

“We’re committed to being a positive force in our community and we’re confident baseball is a sport that doesn’t need gambling for people to have fun. The Giants are proud to partner with the fantastic initiatives of Here for the Game and demonstrate leadership in our community.”

Last year the Here For The Game campaign had excellent audience reach with over 9 million people interacting with the campaign during its 27-week run across a range of media platforms. A survey of Adelaide United fans found strong support for the club’s decision to say no to sports betting sponsorship and promote the benefits of sports without gambling.

Click here for more information on the Here for the Game program.

Main image: Adelaide Giants, 36ers and United players promote the Here for the Game program.