Cats ditch gambling sponsorship, back calls for AFL to do similar

The groundswell of support behind Western Bulldogs captain Easton Wood’s call for the AFL to move away from gambling sponsorship continues to grow, with Geelong boss Brian Cook the latest footy luminary to back the defender’s stance.

Geelong has waved goodbye to gambling sponsorship dollars. Picture: Getty Images

Geelong has joined the growing chorus of voices to call on the AFL to examine its relationship with gambling.

The Cats have been hailed for their progressive stance against betting revenue, having eradicated all gambling advertising at GMHBA Stadium.

Cats chief executive Brian Cook said yesterday Geelong was in the process of selling off its last poker machine venue, having already replaced $3.5 million of gambling-related revenue.

AFL Victoria’s Love The Game, Not the Odds round is taking place this weekend.

Geelong has waved goodbye to gambling sponsorship dollars. Picture: Getty Images

Cook says the Cats are determined not to lecture other clubs but hopes they are sending a message to their local community about their priorities.

“We have a strong community program and a big picture point of view. It’s a philosophical stance we take and also a commercial one to engage with more people,” Cook said.

“We have taken our stance about gambling advertising because it just doesn’t fit into our mission about why we exist.

“We didn’t like the idea of kids betting on games or seeing so much advertising.

“I won’t make comment about what other clubs are doing but I think as an industry we really need to be mindful of the effects of the amount of gambling advertising throughout all channels and areas where our children can see it.

“We would be the first to acknowledge the gaming industry has a big economic impact and employs lots of wonderful people but we need to work through this in a more balanced way. Advertising has gone overboard in this relationship.”

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Cats CEO Brian Cook has backed calls for the AFL to reassess its gambling sponsorship. Picture: Peter Ristevski

It follows Bulldogs skipper Easton Wood taking a public stand against gambling revenue in the AFL.

He said he was prepared to take a pay cut if the league banned betting ads.

League boss Gill McLachlan defended the AFL’s relationship with gambling companies yesterday, but said Wood’s stance was showing leadership.

McLachlan told 3AW yesterday the league would listen to its players over anti-gambling stances.

“I think its commendable position. People are aware the BetEasy contact is up. He is showing leadership about what he thinks and what his view is. He is having a view about where he stands,” he told 3AW.

I think as we look forward the players’ voice is an important one. Our position has been clear. We have an agreement with wagering companies because it’s a legal area that would go on without us. You wouldn’t notice much difference if we had a partnership or not.”

Bulldog Easton Wood has made a strong stance against gambling in the AFL. Picture: Michael Klein