WE WANT our footy back, but at what cost?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sports betting as the biggest drug lining our game has been made increasingly clearer as life in isolation has set in. The AFL has a chance to make a big stand in this space, setting the tone for what is acceptable on our football grounds right down to our community leagues.
Instead the AFL's silence on this issue speaks volumes in the months after extending an exorbitant partnership with a betting agency earlier this year.
The grip gambling has on the AFL as a major revenue and social issue was thrust back in the spotlight this week.
Former Geelong Cat Allen Christensen speaking up on the toll COVID-19 lockdowns was having on his gambling recovery.
The 28-year-old, now a Brisbane Lion, had spoken in the past about the triggers of walking past certain Geelong pubs where he had raked in a big win. Now he was being bombarded at home with tempting advertisements indoors.
Christensen told Real Drug Talk podcast he could understand some people could have a bet but there was a fine line for many on what could be a dangerous mindset, sitting at home and saving money by not going out at weekend and looking for entertainment.
Online gambling rates in Australia increased by 67 per cent during the first week of April alone, analytics group AlphaBeta showed.
While horse racing is one of the few sports still in action, there has been a boom in novel markets.
Markets like the colour of Prime Minister Scott Morrison's tie each morning.
Ballarat Community Health doctor Deb Greenslade and health promotions manager Louise Feery told The Courier online gambling, including poker machines, might seem like a stress release - but online gambling companies were exploiting this. BCH was concerned the result would be more stress and anxiety in uncertain times.
Health experts are urging everyone to use this time to take stock of our lives during this isolation period.
In all this suspended reality right now, AFL leaders should be taking a good hard look at our game. The money might be tempting but what kind of message does it really send?
Western Bulldog Easton Wood was vocal on the AFL's partnership extension earlier this year. Wood led a pack of players prepared to take a pay cut to reduce the industry's gambling revenue.
He has long been outspoken on the conflict in putting all players and staff through mandatory education on the dangers of gambling while at the same time getting paid by it.
Wood told The Courier last year when you were bombarded with gambling advertising you did not always question it.
Saturation normalised the issue.
Wood was concerned the impact on children during school visits when young fans would question "who's the favourite" rather than "who are you cheering".
We want our footy back in some form (except maybe AFLX) at all levels of the game. Revenue is a huge headache for all clubs, including all our football-netball clubs across the region.
What form a footy return takes can also be a major opportunity if those leading the game take the time to really think about it. Such talks should not be in isolation.
- Child and Family Services Ballarat is still providing financial and therapeutic counselling to the Grampians region via phone during business hours: 5337 3333 or intake@cafs.org.au. For free 24-hour help call Gambler's Help, 1800 858 858.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thankyou very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.