Meet The Real Stakes ambassador Jacob Weitering 

Jacob Weitering is a name synonymous with strength, leadership, and commitment to the game. As a key player for the Carlton Football Club, Jacob has made a mark as one of the AFL’s finest defenders since being selected as the number one draft pick in 2015.  

His defensive prowess, combined with his leadership on and off the field, has earned him multiple accolades, including two Carlton Football Club Best & Fairest awards and selection to the All-Australian team. 

But Jacob’s influence goes beyond the footy field. His commitment to making a positive impact in his community is what sets him apart.  

With this passion in mind, Jacob has partnered with The Real Stakes as an ambassador to raise awareness about the harm that online sports gambling can cause—both to athletes and the wider community. 

A Personal Connection to the Issue 

As an elite athlete, Jacob is no stranger to the pressures of professional sport. The desire to perform, succeed, and represent his team can be overwhelming at times.  

However, he also understands how distractions—like online sports gambling—can creep into the world of sport, affecting players and fans alike. 

“Most of us have been exposed to online sports gambling in some form,” Jacob explains.  

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or amateur athlete, or even just someone trying to watch a game. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and the potential of making a quick bet. But sport should be a place where we support each other, and we should strive to provide that support.” 

Championing Change with The Real Stakes 

Jacob’s partnership with The Real Stakes is driven by his belief that the game he loves should always be a place of mutual support and safety. “The Real Stakes will play an important role in raising awareness and providing resources to prevent gambling harm in the community,” he says. 

With gambling harm increasingly becoming a challenge for local clubs and players, Jacob’s involvement is vital. He believes that by speaking up and leading by example, he can help create safer, healthier environments for both players and fans, ensuring that the sport remains a positive force in the community. 

“It’s crucial that we have conversations about gambling harm, and that we work together to ensure our clubs and players have the support they need,” Jacob continues.  

“By joining The Real Stakes, we can all help protect what matters most—the wellbeing of everyone involved in the game.” 

The Role of The Real Stakes 

Jacob’s involvement with The Real Stakes is part of a broader initiative to combat the rise of online sports gambling in local footy clubs and communities. The program is dedicated to raising awareness, educating players, coaches, and fans about the risks, and providing practical tools for dealing with gambling harm. 

As a trusted ambassador, Jacob is helping to lead this charge, ensuring that both the sporting world and the wider community understand the importance of protecting players’ mental health and wellbeing, and fostering an environment of support. 

A Future Free From Gambling Harm 

Through The Real Stakes, Jacob is helping to promote a future where players, fans, and communities can enjoy the game without the harmful influence of gambling. By encouraging honest conversations and providing resources, Jacob is committed to making a real difference in tackling gambling harm and ensuring that footy remains the positive and supportive environment it’s meant to be. 

Get Involved 

The public is invited to participate in a series of free online webinars by Sports Community and Deakin University, offering practical guidance and resources on recognising, preventing and responding to online sports gambling-related harm. 

Webinars will be held on: 

• Tuesday, 6 May at 7:00pm AEST 

• Wednesday, 7 May at 6:30pm AEST  

Registration is available via https://realstakes.com.au/workshops-and-webinars/ 

The Real Stakes is an Australian Government initiative delivered through a Strong and Resilient Communities (SARC) Activity Grant. This community led program represents a significant step forward in addressing online sports gambling-related harm through community sport.