Community football unites to kick gambling out of the game

The Victorian Amateur Football Association, Adelaide Footy League and Perth Football League will launch The Real Stakes Round on the weekend of 3-4 May, dedicating the weekend’s games to raise awareness of the real harm that online sports gambling can cause.

During this special round, grassroots community clubs will use match days as a platform to challenge the normalisation of online sports gambling, promote open conversations and connect people with pathways to support.

This initiative comes as Australia faces a gambling crisis, with national annual gambling losses reaching $31.5 billion, the highest per capita in the world.

The round is part of The Real Stakes, a community-led program developed in collaboration with Australia’s largest community-based football leagues. Since launching in February 2025, the program aims to reach more than 40,000 community members across 208 clubs through information sessions, webinars and direct club engagement.

Elevate Strategic CEO Deane Pieters said The Real Stakes Round represents a powerful shift in how grassroots community clubs are addressing one of the most pressing challenges affecting young Australians.

“This round is about prioritising the wellbeing and support of your mates, friends and families,” Mr Pieters said.

“We’re facing a national crisis – Australians are losing more to gambling than anywhere else in the world – and clubs are seeing the impact it’s taking on mental health, relationships and team culture firsthand.

“They’re not turning a blind eye. They’re asking for support and stepping up to be part of the solution.”

Across the weekend, VAFA Clubs will participate in The Real Stakes round, raising awareness of harm from online sports betting in their Clubs and communities showing support on-field and online.

Recent quantitative studies across the three leagues commissioned as part of program development showed one in three young men felt pressured to gambling by their mates, while 84 per cent of people said they want online sports gambling-related harm openly discussed in their clubs.

Victorian Amateur Football Association chief executive Jason Reddick says The Real Stakes Round is about reinforcing  to everyone what local footy is really about — connection, wellbeing, and the pure enjoyment of the game.

“Community footy should bring people together — it’s about looking after your mates, staying active, and enjoying the contest,” Mr Reddick said.

“Online sports gambling can have a harmful impact on all of that. Through The Real Stakes, we’re backing a culture where the focus stays on the field, not on the odds.”

“Our clubs are cornerstones of their communities, and we’re proud to be part of a conversation that supports people’s wellbeing and protects the spirit of the game.”

Program Ambassador and Carlton Football Club athlete Jacob Weitering says he’s seen firsthand how online sports gambling can shift the way we experience the game — and each other.

“For me, footy has always been about your mates — the ones you take the field with and the ones you watch it with,” Weitering said.

“However, sports gambling can change all that. It creates unnecessary pressure and can pull mates apart.”

“That’s why I support The Real Stakes. It’s about prioritising connection before a punt and looking out for your mates on and off the field.”

Program Ambassador and Richmond Football Club athlete Monique Conti shared a similar sentiment.

“One of the best parts of playing footy is the sense of mateship — backing each other, celebrating the wins, and facing the losses as a team.” Conti said.

“However, online sports gambling can shift that dynamic and put a strain on friendships. With The Real Stakes, we’re reminding everyone that mateship matters more than any multi.”

The public is invited to participate in a series of free online webinars leading up to the round, facilitated by Sports Community, 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 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.