Six Victorian AFL clubs have pledged to protect young people from the risks of gambling by signing a charter at the MCG today.

Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation Jane Garrett congratulated the clubs, including 2015 Premiers Hawthorn, who signed up at the launch of Responsible Gambling Awareness Week (12-18 October).

The Western Bulldogs, St Kilda and Essendon committed to the charter for the first time, joining Collingwood, Hawthorn, North Melbourne and the A-League’s Melbourne Victory soccer club.

As part of the charter, clubs will keep gambling away from its social and fundraising activities with young people. They agree not to provide gambling inducements for awards and prizes and to promote responsible gambling to players, members and visitors.

The clubs also pledged not to make sponsorship deals with sports betting agencies which would see them promoting gambling to young people under 18.

Where participating clubs own or operate poker machines, they also commit to promoting the Gambler’s Help venue support program and help services.

During the AFL season, an average of 300,000 fans turn out each weekend to watch a game and more than a million people follow these clubs on social media.

Sports betting companies have spent $149 million on advertising so far this year, up by $44.5 million from the same time last year, with the biggest increase in digital advertising.

The charter is part of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s Gambling’s not a Game program, which encourages sporting clubs to educate members, officials and fans about the risks of gambling.

Responsible Gambling Awareness Week runs from October 12-18 with events being held throughout the state. Go to rgaw.com.au for more information.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Jane Garrett

“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to reducing gambling related harm in our community.”

“This charter will help to reduce the exposure of young people to gambling through sports and better educate fans, players and members about the risks of gambling.”

Quotes attributable to Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation CEO Serge Sardo

“The charter is the centrepiece of our Gambling’s not a Game program, which encourages sporting clubs to educate members, officials and fans about the risks of gambling and to promote responsible gambling.”

“This is not an anti-gambling message. It’s a commitment to minimising the exposure of gambling advertising and gambling culture on young people.”

Quotes attributable to Collingwood Football Club Chief Executive Gary Pert

“Knowing your limits and remaining within them is an important message we try to drive home to our fans, our players and our staff.”