GAMBLING
With poker machine revenue now embedded in the finances of many AFL clubs, it is important to question the AFL’s self-proclaimed role as a champion of social responsibility.
Certainly, some people believe the link between football clubs and poker machines is damaging the community from which the AFL draws its millions of supporters.
Many fans are also concerned about gambling advertising, which is still prominent at AFL games despite some moves to control it.
As Richard Di Natale commented in his article AFL should kick its gambling addiction:
“Gambling has even become a fundamental part of how our kids now understand the game. There have been reports of kids drawing their pictures of the footy and including ‘live odds’ at the bottom of the picture. I have heard from parents whose kids comment on the odds during a game and are ready to put down their own pocket money on their favourite team.”
Links
Former gambling addict David Schwarz says the AFL is “drunk on revenue” received from bookies
Former Melbourne player Daniel Ward urges AFL to crack down on gambling advertising
AFL clubs talk up community leadership while fostering pokie addiction
