The Real Stakes information sessions address harm from online sports gambling

Over 150 leaders from VAFA clubs, including captains, coaches and committee members, attended a The Real Stakes information session focused on addressing the rising harm from online sports gambling.  

The sessions, which represented 94% of VAFA clubs, provided crucial insights into the risks associated with gambling and how club leaders can challenge the normalisation of online sports gambling.  

The workshop included powerful stories from Gambling Harm Lived Experience Experts, who shared their personal accounts, having experienced or witnessed gambling harm first-hand, highlighting the impact on individuals and families.  

Throughout the presentation participants gained valuable insights into the breadth and depth of the gambling industry in Australia and the tactics they use to target young people and other stressed communities.  

A notable point raised during the session was the increasing visibility of gambling advertisements in sports. AFL player Jacob Weitering recently shared his concerns about this in an interview with the News Corp Australia, “for me personally as a spectator taking the footballer Jacob Weitering out of it, you’re watching sport… just about every second ad is gambling related, bets, head-to-head, all the rest of it,” he said.  

Weitering highlighted that this pervasive advertising has a significant impact on viewers and called for more regulation of gambling-related content in sport. “It’s pretty prevalent and that to an extent has to be regulated.”

“You’ve seen in other codes and other countries that it is somewhat more regulated. The main objectives for now are raising awareness, making sure people do know what the impacts are and starting that conversation with higher ups.” 

The session aimed to empower club leaders with the knowledge and tools to prevent gambling harm in their communities. 

To continue the conversation, clubs are invited to participate in upcoming webinars that will dive deeper into the topic and provide additional strategies for supporting people targeted by the gambling industry. These webinars will further equip leaders to foster a safe, informed environment for all members. 

Webinars will take place on the following dates. 

• Tuesday 8th April, 8:00pm – 9:00pm 

• Thursday 10th April, 7:30pm – 8:30pm 

• Tuesday 29th April, 8:00pm – 9:00pm 

• Wednesday 30th April, 7:30pm – 8:30pm 

• Tuesday 6th May, 8:00pm – 9:00pm 

• Wednesday 7th May, 7:30pm – 8:30pm 

For more information or to register for upcoming webinars, visit The Real Stakes website or email [email protected]  

If you or someone you know is affected by gambling issues, support is available at Gamblers Helpline 1800 858 858 or gamblershelp.com.au.