We love footy, which is why we are proud to continue our partnership with the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s Love the Game program.

By supporting Love the Game, we’re helping to reduce the exposure of young people to sports betting ads, which are at saturation levels. In 2021, for example, an average of 948 gambling ads were broadcast daily on Victorian free-to-air TV. Of those, about 148 were shown during the peak family weekday viewing time from 6 to 8.30pm.

Excessive sports betting promotions make young people think gambling on sport is normal and without risk. People aged 18–24 are the first generation to have grownup constantly surrounded by gambling ads, so it’s not surprising that men in that age bracket make up the largest group of sports bettors in Victoria or that participation by young women is rising.

This season we’re calling on our fans, especially parents, teachers and coaches, to talk to the young people in their care about the risks and consequences of gambling.And to encourage young people to love the game, not the odds.

For more information on how to start a conversation about sports betting, visit lovethegame.vic.gov.au.