AFL to continue with gambling ads despite fan concerns

Despite increasing worries about the prevalence of gambling advertisements during AFL games, we will continue to see them this season.

The issue of betting ads continues to be a hot topic going into the AFL season, with politicians saying they were “completely and utterly out of step” with what people want to see during games.

According to a 2022 parliamentary inquiry, an alarming trend has emerged among children who have been found to have memorised gambling advertisements. Moreover, the study found that these youngsters could identify a betting brand simply by its colour.

READ: ACMA reveals gambling ad complaints almost double

In a separate survey of 3,000 people conducted by the AFL Fans Association last year, almost 80% supported a ban on gambling advertising at stadiums, while 76% wanted gaming commercials off the television and radio.

Part of the report says, “Fans are most concerned that the bombardment of gambling advertising for their kids watching football is grooming them as future gamblers and normalising gambling. Whilst there is some recognition of the need for responsible gambling and fans’ right to gamble on AFL if they wish, there is a clear consensus that the volume of gambling advertising is morally inappropriate and should be banned given the social and family impacts.”

Despite concerns from the fans and regulators, AFL says its partnership with gaming companies allows it to “invest in robust integrity measures to monitor wagering on our game, as well as to invest back into our game at all levels”.

It added: “The AFL has strict restrictions surrounding the times that gambling advertising is permitted and has reduced the amount of wagering branding and signage at grounds.”

More gambling news