V8 Supercars and Gambling

Holly Wood · 30 Sep 2009, 02:07 (Ref:2550938)

I read with interest the discussion in another thread about alcohol sponsorship in V8 Supercar, and the various social/moral objections some fans have with it (especially with regards to their children consuming the branding).

With that in mind, I’d love to know how my fellow 10-10thers feel about the ‘V8bet’ program launched a month or two back.

I’m not strongly opposed to gambling myself, but I’m a little uncomfortable that it’s being pushed by VESA themselves, apparently as a ‘partnership’ with some betting agency. Seeing the ‘V8bet’ logo appearing on the telecasts for long periods of time, as well as on the website front page (since removed), and IIRC having special mentions of it by the commentators during races… is this really a good look for the sport?

Maybe I’m being too ‘PC’… but I was bordering on horrified to see the new print edition of Motorsport News magazine, where their cover story rates the Bathurst contenders with playing cards, repeatedly using poker/gambling words and imagery throughout. A nine page preview… with advertisements for ‘V8bet’ on every single one…

As I said, I’m not an anti-gambling crusader, but it appears VESA have paid MNews to encourage gambling through their editorial content, and that’s not a good look in my opinion.

Thoughts?

DAVID PATERSON · 30 Sep 2009, 02:18 (Ref:2550943)

A fool and his money will soon be parted.

Falcadore · 30 Sep 2009, 03:38 (Ref:2550953)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holly Wood

Maybe I’m being too ‘PC’… but I was bordering on horrified to see the new print edition of Motorsport News magazine, where their cover story rates the Bathurst contenders with playing cards, repeatedly using poker/gambling words and imagery throughout. A nine page preview… with advertisements for ‘V8bet’ on every single one…

As I said, I’m not an anti-gambling crusader, but it appears VESA have paid MNews to encourage gambling through their editorial content, and that’s not a good look in my opinion.

Thoughts?

This just in, the Texas Hold 'em Poker craze is real!

More seriously, people have been using playing cards as motifs for decades, for centuries even. From stuff like Alice in Wonderland, names of historic pubs and casinos in Europe, comic book villians, World War II aircraft art etc, etc. Tying MNews' cover page to to problem gambling is drawing an extremely long bow indeed.

Denosaur · 30 Sep 2009, 04:00 (Ref:2550956)

Just another way for VE$A to make a buck out of the punters. I agree with the comment before, only a fool would part with his money.

Your probably being too PC, and don't blame you for being that way. In light of recent events in F1, is it really right for VE$A to be in partnership with a betting agency? In my opinion no. They should stick to running the sport than trying to make an extra buck on side.

At the end of the day, everyone has the ability to turn off the TV or change channel, choose not to attend a race meeting and probably more importantly EDUCATE your children about the pitfalls of gambling, and not to mention drink drive and excessive consumption of alcohol. Because really that's what the argument will come down to at the end of the day, the next generation of smokers, gamblers and drinkers.

peckstar · 30 Sep 2009, 09:01 (Ref:2551040)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denosaur

At the end of the day, everyone has the ability to turn off the TV or change channel, choose not to attend a race meeting and probably more importantly EDUCATE your children about the pitfalls of gambling, and not to mention drink drive and excessive consumption of alcohol. Because really that's what the argument will come down to at the end of the day, the next generation of smokers, gamblers and drinkers.

see thats the wrong attitude, why should kids have to miss out on car racing because of a sponsorship product, surely it should be the other way round. Either its a family sport or its not.

Denosaur · 1 Oct 2009, 02:30 (Ref:2551634)

Quote:

Originally Posted by peckstar

see thats the wrong attitude, why should kids have to miss out on car racing because of a sponsorship product, surely it should be the other way round. Either its a family sport or its not.

Kids shouldn't have to miss out, but to all the PC's out there they have the ability to change channels.

Don't start on the family sport thing thou, as that's another kettle of fish.

Holly Wood · 30 Sep 2009, 04:32 (Ref:2550960)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcadore

This just in, the Texas Hold 'em Poker craze is real!

More seriously, people have been using playing cards as motifs for decades, for centuries even. From stuff like Alice in Wonderland, names of historic pubs and casinos in Europe, comic book villians, World War II aircraft art etc, etc. Tying MNews' cover page to to problem gambling is drawing an extremely long bow indeed.

Nowhere did I refer to 'problem gambling', so you're exaggerating my point. My objection to the MNews story is secondary to the fact that VESA themselves are pushing gambling.

But just for clarity... I realise playing cards and such are used as 'motifs' in various places, but this magazine has intertwined this usage with adverts for a gambling website (the card graphics in the ad are exactly the same as that in the story!). Surely you can see the difference between this and Alice in Wonderland?

I know from previous editions that MNews have a rather liberal view towards gambling, but in my opinion, they went too far this time.

Falcadore · 30 Sep 2009, 07:16 (Ref:2550999)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holly Wood

Nowhere did I refer to 'problem gambling', so you're exaggerating my point. My objection to the MNews story is secondary to the fact that VESA themselves are pushing gambling.

But just for clarity... I realise playing cards and such are used as 'motifs' in various places, but this magazine has intertwined this usage with adverts for a gambling website (the card graphics in the ad are exactly the same as that in the story!). Surely you can see the difference between this and Alice in Wonderland?

I know from previous editions that MNews have a rather liberal view towards gambling, but in my opinion, they went too far this time.

"where their cover story rates the Bathurst contenders with playing cards, repeatedly using poker/gambling words and imagery throughout"

You say potato, I say potato. To be horrified by gambling imagery is to associate with the negative aspect of gambling, and that is where problem gambling sits.

My point was that the cards imagery is more strongly associated with Poker tornaments and the rise of poker as a proffesional sport, than with shady online casinos, which appears to be the link you've created. That's what I mean by a very long bow.

Holly Wood · 30 Sep 2009, 08:04 (Ref:2551015)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcadore

"where their cover story rates the Bathurst contenders with playing cards, repeatedly using poker/gambling words and imagery throughout"

You say potato, I say potato. To be horrified by gambling imagery is to associate with the negative aspect of gambling, and that is where problem gambling sits.

My point was that the cards imagery is more strongly associated with Poker tornaments and the rise of poker as a proffesional sport, than with shady online casinos, which appears to be the link you've created. That's what I mean by a very long bow.

I think we’ll agree to disagree on the MNews aspect of this thread. I do not believe what they’ve done is socially acceptable, but (for various reasons best not stated) I do not expect you to deviate from your staunch support of it.

Regarding online casinos, etc… I have not consciously attempted to link any particularly negative aspect of the gambling industry back to V8bet or MNews, and apologise for giving that impression. I am no expert on the gambling industry, and speak only of it on a holistic level, with respect to its integration into society.

Finally, I note that you’ve not actually commented on whether VESA actively promoting gambling is a positive or negative thing for the sport. As one of the most highly opinionated members of this forum, I’m sure many would be interested to hear your view.

Falcadore · 30 Sep 2009, 21:08 (Ref:2551500)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holly Wood

I think we’ll agree to disagree on the MNews aspect of this thread. I do not believe what they’ve done is socially acceptable, but (for various reasons best not stated) I do not expect you to deviate from your staunch support of it.

Regarding online casinos, etc… I have not consciously attempted to link any particularly negative aspect of the gambling industry back to V8bet or MNews, and apologise for giving that impression. I am no expert on the gambling industry, and speak only of it on a holistic level, with respect to its integration into society.

Finally, I note that you’ve not actually commented on whether VESA actively promoting gambling is a positive or negative thing for the sport. As one of the most highly opinionated members of this forum, I’m sure many would be interested to hear your view.

I did not comment on VESA actively promoting gambling, because I agree with you and had nothing to add. I just disagree with you taking a swing at Motorsport News for reasons that could at best be described as tenuous.

bortall · 30 Sep 2009, 03:55 (Ref:2550955)

Maybe someone at VE$A realised that governments will ban anything that might be fun - with out care for what the public thinks - except gambling, as most states live on gambling revenue.

Rombles1 · 30 Sep 2009, 08:27 (Ref:2551025)

Timely discussion considering Kelly Racing have unveiled a new livery for Perkins/Wood @ Bathurst - for new sponsor Bet247.

Boxy · 30 Sep 2009, 09:03 (Ref:2551044)

http://www.v8supercars.com.au/conten...on_new_livery/

Ordinary livery!

For the record, I'll have $5 each way on car 8 and car 18

**GTRMagic** · 30 Sep 2009, 10:20 (Ref:2551093)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boxy

http://www.v8supercars.com.au/conten...on_new_livery/

Ordinary livery!

For the record, I'll have $5 each way on car 8 and car 18

Not sure that it will show up well on the teev

sizzle · 30 Sep 2009, 11:06 (Ref:2551118)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTRMagic

Not sure that it will show up well on the teev

It would have to look a shed load better than it did with the unrecognisable green bits on a black car.

You still won't be able to read it at speed.

mtpanorama · 30 Sep 2009, 11:58 (Ref:2551152)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTRMagic

Not sure that it will show up well on the teev

Thats if it makes it past lap 5.

**GTRMagic** · 30 Sep 2009, 11:22 (Ref:2551130)

Put in bet247 into google and be overwhelmed with similarly named businesses...

peckstar · 30 Sep 2009, 11:25 (Ref:2551132)

i think the thread has been hijacked

**GTRMagic** · 30 Sep 2009, 11:33 (Ref:2551136)

Not really, its a discussion about a gambling sponsor entering the sport... Bet247 is also in this space now, and their contribution isnt actually engaging so that you know who they are, and how to get to their site

Meantime V8bet is advertising in the motorsport press, and on the official coverage, so its a question of marketing techniques more than anything.

I go to a few betting sites, not to put money down, but to see who the clever people (handicappers) think are the people to beat... sometimes you can beat the odds (Adelaide Clipsal 500, R1, Marcos Ambrose.. $23 for the win springs to mind...)

peckstar · 30 Sep 2009, 12:07 (Ref:2551160)

you can bet on that, v8 bet, first car out

so kelly racing put 100k on it and then dont complete first lap, bathurst weekend paid for

**GTRMagic** · 30 Sep 2009, 21:19 (Ref:2551513)

Quote:

Originally Posted by peckstar

you can bet on that, v8 bet, first car out

so kelly racing put 100k on it and then dont complete first lap, bathurst weekend paid for

Who will start the #51 car?

aussiemuscle308 · 1 Oct 2009, 01:33 (Ref:2551615)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holly Wood

Maybe I’m being too ‘PC’… but I was bordering on horrified to see the new print edition of Motorsport News magazine, where their cover story rates the Bathurst contenders with playing cards, repeatedly using poker/gambling words and imagery throughout. A nine page preview… with advertisements for ‘V8bet’ on every single one…

i kinda agree that having advertising posing as editorial is a bad thing

**GTRMagic** · 3 Oct 2009, 01:39 (Ref:2553008)

This is an interesting part of the event to bet on

Imagine if someone were to obtain a wildcard, and go to Bathurst with the express intent of retiring on lap 1... the pricing in the $8/$9/$10 ranges could see some money being placed for the wrong reasons

What better way to fund a full season of racing but through the use of some jiggery pokery...

peckstar · 3 Oct 2009, 02:44 (Ref:2553016)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTRMagic

This is an interesting part of the event to bet on

Imagine if someone were to obtain a wildcard, and go to Bathurst with the express intent of retiring on lap 1... the pricing in the $8/$9/$10 ranges could see some money being placed for the wrong reasons

What better way to fund a full season of racing but through the use of some jiggery pokery...

see post 18

STEALTHY · 3 Oct 2009, 18:53 (Ref:2553407)

My opinion on this topic is strong (and any other 'types' of sponsership.

You make your own decisions, if you want to gamble, smoke, drink, or purchase playboy, you decide it, not some stickers on a car.

Anyone who brings kids into the discussion is just a failed parent. Try actually talking to your kids about whats right and wrong, then we can get rid of this pc crap.