VAFA proactively seeks to address the issue of gambling-related harm

Online sports and racing gambling is harming our community – We’ve heard you and we are acting.

There has been significant media coverage regarding gambling advertising over the last week. It is no secret that online sports and racing gambling impacts all communities, but especially the sports community.

Online sports and racing gambling is a serious risk to the physical and mental health of Australian men and women. The participation of Australians in online gambling increased from 12.6 per cent in 2010 to 30.7 per cent in 2019. The growth in online gambling is most prevalent among men aged 20 to 49, with evidence that women are also increasingly engaging in gambling.

The Victorian Amateur Football Association is aware of this and is proactively seeking to address the issue of gamblingrelated harm by partnering with the Perth Football League and Adelaide Football League.

Through this tri-state collaboration and the appointment of one Wellbeing Project Manager per state, we aim to support those who may experience gambling-related harm. The program will be supported by public health research and community engagement with those most likely to be impacted by online sports and racing gambling.

The program is being delivered through a Strong and Resilient Communities (SARC) Activity – Inclusive Communities Grant. This grant is an Australian Government initiative. As part of this Grant agreement, more information will be available in due course.

Shortly, you will be asked to share your views on gambling, advertising of gambling-related products and the harm that can result from participating in gambling. Your input will be essential in developing this program and helping to support our ongoing work in this space.

We look forward to sharing more with you.