The Ballarat Responsible Gambling Committee has drafted local sporting identities from golf, football, netball, basketball, soccer, lawn bowls and extreme frisbee to star in a TV and radio advertisement reinforcing a responsible gambling message.

Sports Central acting executive officer Michael Flynn said five groups, the North Ballarat Sports Club, Ballarat Basketball Association, Sebastopol Bowling Club, Midlands Golf Club and Ballarat Leagues Club, were also the first in Victoria to sign up to a new Responsible Gambling Charter, committing to minimising young people’s exposure to gambling activities and advertising.

It also raises awareness about gambling’s potential risks in the club community.

“They really see their role as leaders within this space,” Mr Flynn said.

“This is an opportunity to recognise those clubs’ commitment to the campaign and to the charter.”

Responsible gambling messages to be promoted include: “Love the game, not the odds”, “If you find yourself stumped, don’t chase your losses” and “Don’t exceed your limit. It’s OK to throw in the towel and walk away”.

The advertisement was launched at the North Ballarat Sports Club on Tuesday as part of Responsible Gambling Awareness Week.

This year, the week focuses on the ‘changing face of gambling’ to positively influence gambling behaviour and build community resilience.

Funded by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, the campaign builds on the success of the “Gambling’s Not a Game” program.

fiona.henderson@fairfaxmedia.com.au