AFL’s Removal of Anti-Gambling Initiative Sparks Controversy

The Australian Rules Football League (ARFL) made an error – they removed an anti-wagering initiative from their online platform. Apparently, they have a financial agreement with Sportsbet, and the “Adore the sport, not the chances” initiative didn’t align with that. Therefore, after a mere seven days of a planned month-long run, the ARFL terminated the initiative on their website and social media channels.

The incongruity is that the initiative, financed by the Victoria Responsible Gaming Foundation (VRGF), features athletes from Victoria ARFL teams promoting responsible gaming. It’s presently broadcasting on all the primary television and radio stations in the region.

The ARFL, despite having endorsed the initiative initially, didn’t even inform the VRGF about their choice to pull it. They’ve subsequently acknowledged that removing the advertisements from their website was a blunder. An ARFL representative stated they have a long-term partnership with the VRGF and that the elimination of the digital initiative was an oversight. They assert to be dedicated to collaborating with the VRGF and advocating for responsible gaming.

To make matters worse, ESPN, the global sports website, also withdrew the initiative. Shane Lucas, head of VRGF, conveyed his dissatisfaction, emphasizing the worries of numerous Victorians regarding the volume of sports wagering advertisements young individuals encounter.

The Victorian-based Australian Rules Football teams comprehend the risks associated with wagering endorsements and have collectively decided against them.

It was disheartening to witness the AFL and ESPN discontinue their “Love the game, not the odds” initiative. We acknowledge the AFL’s clarification that it was an error and embrace their pledge to advocate for responsible gaming.