Youth gambling continues to be a major problem across Australia, so AFL Clubs are stepping up to help promote responsible gambling among young people. This week, six AFL Clubs from Victoria have pledged to protect young people from the risks of gambling. Collingwood, Hawthorn and North Melbourne have signed the charter in previous years, and now the Western Bulldogs, St Kilda and Essendon have joined them.
By signing the charter, all six clubs have agreed to keep gambling out of its fundraising and social activities. They have also pledged not to provide gambling inducements while promoting responsible gambling to players and members. Another interesting part of the charter sees all six club agree not to take on sponsorship deals with gambling operators.
In the local sports industry, many clubs are sponsored by betting agencies and casinos – which can have a negative effect on young spectators as they are exposed to gambling activities while watching their favourite teams play. By refusing to be sponsored by betting companies, these six AFL clubs are helping to stop the promotion of gambling to young people.
The Charter is part of the Gambling Is Not A Game initiative from the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation. The campaign encourages sports clubs across the state to educate the community about responsible gambling.
“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,” says Serge Sardo, CEO of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation. “This is not an anti-gambling message. It’s a commitment to minimising the exposure of gambling advertising and gambling culture on young people.”
This is a positive step for the AFL, and we hope to see other clubs in other states follow suit.
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