AFL fans warn against three-year plan for gambling ad ban

The AFL Fans Association (AFLFA) has voiced its support for a total ban on gambling advertisements, although it has warned against a phased approach to the new measures.

Earlier this week, a federal parliamentary committee published a series of regulatory recommendations for the Australian gambling industry, chief among which was a blanket ban on betting ads.

The committee, led by Labor MP Peta Murphy, recommended a staggered introduction over three years in order to give gambling stakeholders – including bookmakers, broadcasters and sporting bodies – a chance to prepare for the incoming measures.

However, AFLFA president Ron Issko has warned that football fans – around 76% of whom support a blanket ban on gambling adverts, according to a recent poll – want action sooner rather than later.

“I am hoping there are little changes made along the way and so that by the time we get to three years, it is completely gone,” Issko told the press.

“For them to lose that revenue overnight will realistically result in a big hole in their budget. There needs to be dialogue and discussion about slowly reducing the number of ads and a gradual way to ban it.”

A number of high-profile figures within the AFL, including outgoing chairman Gillon McLachlan, have expressed concern over the volume and visibility of gambling advertising in the league.

However, the removal of gambling sponsorships would put an enormous dint in the AFL’s coffers, and league executives are worried about knock-on effects such as higher ticket prices.

“We look forward to working closely with the government to identify and mitigate any potential unintended consequences as it develops its response to the committee’s recommendations,” an AFL spokesperson said.

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