diff --git a/cockatrice/src/client/ui/widgets/general/display/banner_widget.h b/cockatrice/src/client/ui/widgets/general/display/banner_widget.h
index fa842cb44..2f7db1726 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/client/ui/widgets/general/display/banner_widget.h
+++ b/cockatrice/src/client/ui/widgets/general/display/banner_widget.h
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ private:
     QLabel *bannerLabel;
     Qt::Orientation gradientOrientation;
     int transparency; // Transparency percentage for the gradient
-    QWidget *buddy;
+    QWidget *buddy = nullptr;
     bool clickable = true;
 signals:
     void buddyVisibilityChanged();