AFL Victoria, in partnership with the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation is showing its support for the ‘Love the Game’ campaign through a number of initiatives, focused on helping reduce the exposure of our fans, officials and players to sports betting promotion.
Held from July 8-9, the dedicated round will also assist participating community and state leagues to educate clubs on creating safe and healthy environments for members to understand the risks involved with the increased normalisation of gambling in the community.
AFL Victoria CEO Steven Reaper said the ‘Love the Game’ Round will help remind football supporters what really matters.
“AFL Victoria understands the importance of reducing harm from gambling and will encourage clubs to focus on the love of the game, not the odds, not just during the dedicated round but every round of the season,” Reaper said.
“People need to be aware of their limits with gambling and the impact it can have on young people, particularly in a sporting club environment.
“It’s time to get back to loving the game for what it is and take the focus off betting and we are confident that our ongoing partnership with the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation will help us achieve that.”
Twenty Victorian leagues across the state are joining in the campaign, hosting a number of activations within their communities to counter the growing culture of gambling in sport.
Craig Swift, Acting CEO of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, said they were working closely with over 270 clubs in Victoria at both the elite and local level to raise awareness about how gambling advertising is changing the way young people experience sport.
“We are delighted to be working with AFL Victoria to highlight the Love the Game Round to all football fans.
"Between the internet and smartphone technology, you now have the means to gamble in your pocket anytime, day or night and sport is where most of the promotion is occurring.
"Reducing harm from gambling is something that needs to happen on an individual, industry, sporting club and community level and the Love the Game Round is showing the leadership and commitment of AFL Victoria to encourage all football fans to love the game and not the odds,” he said.
Charton v Boort will be hosting the “Love Your Game” match for the NCFL. Representatives from Victorian Responsible Gambling will be in attendance at this game. We ask all NCFL members and supporters to welcome these representatives.
Last Modified on 07/07/2017 06:02