GRV requires handlers to wear Sportsbet bibs, raising concerns
Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) will compel all handlers and catchers to wear Sportsbet-branded bibs from Monday, November 25, 2024.
GRV have revised their dress standards to reflect the enforced wearing of the online bookmaker branded bibs, which are made in Sportsbet’s striking blue colour.
The only people exempt from the Sportsbet bibs are handlers and catchers who are under 18 years of age.
GRV tried to introduce this new rule to promote their online wagering partner in October 2024, but the process had not been well thought out and stalled until this week.
GRV is now insisting all registered participants secure their own Sportsbet-branded bibs within the two week period prior to the start of their compulsory wearing.
Sportsbet is one of Australia’s most visible bookmakers, with their branding regularly on track and television, with their advertising often sparking backlash with the public and anti-gambling campaigners.
This latest Sportsbet marketing stunt appears to ignore the very real concerns surrounding responsible gambling in Australia, while GRV’s demand appears to have been done with little consultation with participants or regulators.
While minors have been excluded, all other participants will be required to acquire and wear a Sportsbet bib.
There is no exclusion for a person who may have a gambling problem.
There is no exclusion for a person who may have self-excluded themselves from online bookmakers and casinos.
There is no exclusion for someone who is already on the self-exclusion register.
There is no exclusion for a registered person who may have a family member at home who has a gambling problem or is self-excluded.
Contrary to the widely held belief, not all greyhound participants are gamblers.
Regardless of personal values, morals, or personal issues, all registered GRV participants over 18 will be required to have one of these bibs in their homes and wear them on the track
The GRV rule simply says: “All handlers and catchers over 18 years of age will wear a Sportsbet-branded bib.”
There is no further discussion about whether participants are comfortable using themselves to promote Sportsbet.
They have no choice of which bookmaker they would prefer to promote, and certainly no choice but to promote Sportsbet unless they abstain from handling or catching greyhounds.
In 2024, with responsible gambling and responsible gambling advertising such a serious issue, this decision from GRV is concerning.
Would GRV be liable if a self-excluded participant or self-excluded family member was triggered into gambling again due to the Sportsbet-branded bibs being in their home?
Is it fair to subject a person with gambling issues to the constant reminder of the brand in their own home?
An ordinary person in their own home can choose to avoid such ads and branding where possible.
A person in the home of a greyhound participant can now no longer do that and will have this branding shoved down their throats.
Does AustralianRacingGreyhound.com promote bookmakers? Yes, it does, but people are not compelled to read or use our site.
Nothing about anything we do is compulsory for any greyhound participant.
Additionally, you will find responsible gambling and gambling help messages and contact details are literally everywhere across everything we do.
As far as we can ascertain, none of these bibs even have a responsible gambling message near the brand, which likely contravenes gambling advertising rules, if not in Victoria, certainly in other states.
Yes, gambling and wagering is a source of funding for greyhound racing.
Yes, GRV are trying to fill a $23 million dollar hole in their books.
This is not the way.
Anyone dealing with gambling issues is encouraged to call 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
Victorian greyhound particpants who feel particularly disturbed by the compulsory promotion of a bookmaker on their clothing should contact GRV.
Failing that, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission or Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation may be able to assist.