About

The Real Stakes

Introduction

The Real Stakes is a collaboration between the Victorian Amateur Football Association, Adelaide Footy League and Perth Football League to address online sports gambling-related harm in our communities. Through this tri-state initiative, we are taking a stand against the impact of online sports gambling in grassroots football.

The Real Stakes is supported by lived experience experts through community engagement and research to provide practical education and support. We empower clubs and their members with the tools needed to identify online sports gambling-related harm, understand prevention strategies, and learn how to support themselves and their mates.

Why we need action

Online sports gambling presents a risk to Australians’ wellbeing, particularly young people in sporting communities. With gambling participation more than doubling since 2010, the industry invests millions in marketing that normalises gambling as part of sports. $238.63 million was spent on gambling advertising on free-to-air TV, metro radio and online (including social media) between May 2022 and April 2023 alone. Our Leagues and local footy clubs offer a platform for driving positive change within our communities.

The Real Stakes delivers three key initiatives:

Club Leadership Sessions

Interactive workshops helping club leadership groups to create safer club environments

Coach and Player Development

Specialised training for team leaders, including women's program-specific sessions

Community Education

Club-wide sessions hosted in local facilities, bringing people together to learn about supporting mates

Understanding industry impact

Every day, our communities are exposed to 1,381 gambling advertisements on metro free-to-air television alone. Young people are particularly vulnerable – many under the age of 16 may never watched live sports without advertising encouraging them to place bets. The industry uses sophisticated marketing and technology to maximise gambling, targeting sports fans across multiple channels.

Program Delivery

All sessions are supported by online resources, practical tools and ongoing support through your league.

Information sessions and webinars

Filter:

Date Time Location League Who should attend
Monday 24 February6:00pm - 7:00pmClaremont FCPFLClub presidents and leaders
Tuesday 25 February6:30pm - 8:00pmGaza FCAdFLClub presidents and leaders
Saturday 1 March9:00am - 11:00amGlenunga FCAdFLCoaches and players
Saturday 1 March1:00pm - 3:00pmGlenunga FCAdFLCoaches and players
Sunday 2 March9:30am - 11:30amGaza FCAdFLCoaches and players
Sunday 2 March1:00pm - 3:00pmGaza FC AdFLCoaches and players
Saturday 8 March9:30am - 11:00amForrestfield FC (John Reid Oval)PFLCoaches and players

Creating change

Together we can

Change

Club environments that expose young people to online sports gambling normalisation

Support

Those experiencing online sports gambling-related harm

Help

Friends recognise early warning signs

Create

Safer club environments

Help is Available

Whether you’re experiencing online sports gambling-related harm or supporting someone who is, help is available 24/7. Contact the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 for confidential support, or access online counselling services through their support networks.

Get helpSpread the word

Who’s involved

The Real Stakes is a collaboration between three of Australia’s largest community football leagues, supported by research, lived experience experts and expert facilitators. Led by Elevate Strategic and delivered by three dedicated state-based Wellbeing Project Coordinators, The Real Stakes brings together nearly 40,000 community members across Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.

Sports Community will facilitate the information sessions and webinars. During the sessions, participants will hear from lived experience experts and researchers who have studied the gambling industry and its impacts.

The Real Stakes is being delivered through a Strong and Resilient Communities (SARC) Activity – Inclusive Communities Grant, an Australian Government initiative. 

Get Help

Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858

Lifeline Australia 13 11 14

Help
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