Club presidents and leaders
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Claremont FC
The Victorian Amateur Football Association, Adelaide Footy League and Perth Football League are leading a tri-state collaboration to address online sports gambling-related harm in community football. The Real Stakes provides evidence-based education and support through grassroots sports networks, reaching nearly 40,000 community members across three states.
The Real Stakes provides community football clubs with practical tools and support to raise awareness of online sports gambling-related harm, learn prevention strategies, and understand how to support those affected. The program targets players, coaches, volunteers and supporters across 208 affiliated clubs, with a particular focus on people aged 18-49 – the demographic most at risk of experiencing online sports gambling-related harm.
Australians have the world’s highest gambling losses per capita at $1,555 per year, with total annual losses of $31.5 billion in 2022-23. Online sports gambling participation has more than doubled from 12.6% in 2010 to 30.7% in 2019. Research demonstrates this issue particularly impacts sports communities, with research showing gambling related harm often intersects with mental health concerns and excessive alcohol consumption.
The Real Stakes will deliver:
National Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858 (24/7). Available for anyone affected by online sports gambling, including family and friends.
Victoria
Gambler’s Help Financial Counselling Tel: 1800 858 858. Face-to-face counselling available through local Gambler's Help services Website: http://www.gamblershelp.com.au/get-help/face-to-face-counselling/
Gambler’s Help Youthline: 1800 262 376. 24/7 help that is anonymous, confidential and free, developed especially for those under the age of 25.
Website: https://gamblershelp.com.au/get-help/under-25s/
South Australia
Statewide Gambling Therapy Service Tel: (08) 8204 4779. Face-to-face counselling and support services Locations: https://gamblingharmsupport.sa.gov.au/get-support/support-options/chat-to-someone-face-to-face
Western Australia
Gambling Help WA (Centrecare) Tel: (08) 9325 6644 Providing counselling and financial support services Website: https://www.centrecare.com.au/metro-services/gambling-help-metropolitan-and-rural
The Real Stakes brings together expertise from both the sporting and professional sectors. Led by Elevate Strategic, the program’s strategy and delivery is a collaboration with three of Australia's largest community football organisations – the Victorian Amateur Football Association, Adelaide Footy League and Perth Football League. These leagues provide vital connections to local communities and a deep understanding of grassroots sport.
The educational and training components of The Real Stakes has been created to support local football clubs in addressing online sports gambling-related harm amongst their cohorts. This program is further supported by lived experience experts and messaging, ensuring the program is underpinned by evidence-based stories to help reduce problems associated with online sports gambling.
The Real Stakes is program is being delivered through a Strong and Resilient Communities (SARC) Activity Grant. This grant is an Australian Government initiative.
