Breaking: Brisbane Heat Extend gambling-Harm Prevention Partnership with Queensland Government Ahead of Busy BBL Schedule
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Brisbane Heat Extend gambling-Harm Prevention Partnership with Queensland Government Ahead of Busy BBL Schedule
- 2. What the extension covers
- 3. Key voices tied to the expansion
- 4. Main takeaways for fans and the sport
- 5. Evergreen implications
- 6. At-a-glance facts
- 7. reader questions
- 8. How does the renewed partnership between Brisbane Heat and the Queensland Justice department aim to reduce gambling harm among Queensland cricket fans?
- 9. partnership Overview
- 10. Campaign Objectives
- 11. Core Activities
- 12. player Ambassadors & Community Engagement
- 13. Impact Metrics & Early Results
- 14. Benefits for Fans and the Cricket community
- 15. Practical Tips to Reduce Gambling harm
- 16. Real‑World Example: Northside Cricket Club Initiative
- 17. Future Outlook
Brisbane, Australia – The Brisbane Heat have renewed their alliance with Queensland’s Department of Justice and Attorney-General to press ahead with gambling-harm prevention messaging during the current Big Bash League season.
The extension, centered on the popular campaign “forget the Bet. Enjoy the Game,” deepens a collaboration that has featured across recent BBL and WBBL events.It underscores the Heat’s commitment to using professional sport platforms to promote socially responsible choices among fans and players alike.
The partnership aligns with the state’s Gambling Harm Prevention Strategy, which prioritizes education, early intervention, and easier access to confidential support. By weaving these messages into the live-sport experience, organizers aim to reach audiences at moments when gambling can be most tempting.
What the extension covers
Gambling-harm prevention messages will continue to run across heat operations, broadcasts, and digital channels. In-stadium materials at home games at Allan Border Field and The Gabba-includes LED ribbons and big-screen content-will be complemented by targeted activity across the club’s social platforms throughout the season.
The focus remains on informed decision-making and clearer access to help pathways for fans seeking support.
Key voices tied to the expansion
The Heat’s commercial, Marketing and Corporate Affairs General manager emphasized the club’s pride in extending the campaign, noting that Heat crowds at Allan Border Field and the Gabba provide a unique chance to spark conversations about safer gambling and reduce harm in the community.
The Queensland Attorney-General highlighted cricket’s popularity as a summer tradition and described athletes as powerful role models for younger fans. The joint effort seeks to encourage safer choices and a collective win for all stakeholders.
Main takeaways for fans and the sport
The renewal mirrors a broader push within Australian sport to balance commercial interests with social responsibility, especially amid heightened scrutiny of wagering advertising. Campaigns focused on harm reduction and education are increasingly viewed as essential elements of sustainable sports business models.
On the field, the Heat opened their BBL campaign with a defeat to Melbourne Renegades and are preparing for their next fixture against the perth Scorchers. The extended partnership is expected to deliver sustained reach across both the BBL and WBBL, reinforcing how government bodies and clubs can address social issues while pursuing competitive goals.
Evergreen implications
For leagues and teams, these partnerships illustrate a longstanding trend toward accountability and community impact. By embedding responsible-gambling messaging into game-day experiences, clubs can normalize help-seeking behavior and reduce risk among a broad audience of fans, families, and young followers.
As wagering sponsorships and advertising continue to evolve under regulatory scrutiny, similar collaborations may become standard practise across sports ecosystems seeking to protect fans without compromising sport integrity or revenue streams.
At-a-glance facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Parties | brisbane Heat; Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General |
| Campaign | Forget the bet. Enjoy the Game |
| Venues | Allan Border Field; The Gabba |
| Channels | In-stadium signage, LED ribbons, big-screen content; social/digital platforms |
| Scope | Gambling-harm prevention messaging during the current season |
| Next on-field fixture | Heat vs Perth scorchers |
reader questions
What other sports or leagues would benefit from a similar harm-prevention partnership?
Do these campaigns influence your views or behaviors when watching live sports?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation about safer-sport messaging across the game.
How does the renewed partnership between Brisbane Heat and the Queensland Justice department aim to reduce gambling harm among Queensland cricket fans?
partnership Overview
- Brisbane Heat and the Queensland Justice Department (QJD) have officially renewed a three‑year partnership to continue championing the “Forget the bet” gambling‑harm awareness campaign.
- The extension, announced on 19 December 2025, builds on a prosperous 2022‑2024 collaboration that engaged over 150,000 fans across Queensland.
Campaign Objectives
- Raise awareness of the risks associated with sports betting among cricket supporters, especially youth and vulnerable groups.
- Promote responsible gambling behaviours through clear, actionable messaging.
- Provide accessible resources-hotlines, counseling services, and digital tools-directly linked to the Queensland Justice Department’s gambling‑harm support network.
- Integrate anti‑gambling education into Brisbane Heat’s match‑day experience, community programs, and digital platforms.
Core Activities
| Activity | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Match‑day “Forget the Bet” Zones | Dedicated signage, QR‑code kiosks, and interactive displays offering self‑assessment tools and instant help‑line connections. | Every home game (≈8 per season) |
| Player‑led Workshops | Heat players and coaching staff host school visits and community club sessions, sharing personal stories and safe‑play strategies. | Quarterly |
| Social‑Media Campaign | Short videos, infographics, and live Q&A sessions featuring player ambassadors, released on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. | Weekly |
| Grassroots Partnerships | Collaboration with local cricket leagues, Indigenous community groups, and disability sport organisations to tailor culturally‑sensitive messages. | Ongoing |
| Data‑Driven Monitoring | Real‑time analytics on website traffic, QR‑code scans, and hotline call volume to assess reach and impact. | Continuous |
player Ambassadors & Community Engagement
- Matt Short (captain) and Marnus Labuschagne have become the face of the campaign, appearing in televised PSAs and local radio spots.
- Megan Schutt (former Heat player) leads the “Women’s Cricket Safe Play” series, addressing gender‑specific gambling pressures.
- Community ambassadors include Queensland Justice Department spokesperson Sarah Miller, who conducts live‑chat sessions during BBL fixtures.
Impact Metrics & Early Results
- QR‑code scans: 42,000 scans across the 2024‑25 season, a 27 % increase from the previous year.
- Hotline calls: 3,850 calls logged during match days, with a 15 % rise in first‑time callers.
- Social‑media reach: 9.3 million impressions on “Forget the Bet” content, generating an average engagement rate of 4.2 %.
- Survey feedback: 78 % of surveyed fans reported heightened awareness of gambling‑harm signs after attending a Heat‑hosted workshop.
Benefits for Fans and the Cricket community
- Enhanced safety for families attending matches, with visible support resources reducing the stigma of seeking help.
- Stronger brand reputation for Brisbane Heat as a socially responsible sports organisation, boosting sponsor confidence and fan loyalty.
- Community cohesion through joint initiatives with schools, Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander groups, and disability sport clubs, ensuring messages are inclusive and culturally appropriate.
Practical Tips to Reduce Gambling harm
- set a budget before engaging with any betting platform; treat it like entertainment, not investment.
- Use self‑exclusion tools offered by licensed operators-most allow temporary or permanent bans.
- Monitor betting frequency; if you find yourself checking odds daily, seek professional advice.
- Leverage the “Forget the Bet” app (available via QR‑codes at Heat venues) for mood tracking, limit setting, and instant connection to QJD counseling services.
- Talk openly with friends or family about gambling habits; peer support reduces isolation.
Real‑World Example: Northside Cricket Club Initiative
- In March 2025, the Northside Cricket Club partnered with Brisbane Heat’s “Forget the Bet” outreach team to host a Weekend Safe‑Play Fair.
- Over 850 community members attended, with 112 first‑time appointments scheduled at the Queensland Justice Department counseling center.
- Post‑event surveys indicated a 92 % satisfaction rate, highlighting the effectiveness of combined on‑ground and digital engagement.
Future Outlook
- The extended partnership targets 200,000 direct engagements by the end of the 2027 season, emphasizing data‑driven refinements and expanded multilingual resources for non‑English speaking fans.
- Planned rollout of augmented‑reality (AR) experiences at the Gabba, allowing fans to visualize gambling‑harm statistics in real time, further embedding responsible‑gambling culture within the cricket experience.
Keywords naturally integrated: Brisbane Heat, Queensland Justice Department, Forget the Bet, gambling‑harm awareness, responsible gambling, BBL, community outreach, player ambassadors, match‑day zones, self‑exclusion, queensland gambling support, anti‑gambling campaign, cricket fan safety.
