This Season and Every Season: Love The Game, Not The Odds.

This season, community clubs across Victoria will demonstrate their passion for bet-free footy by participating in a Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Love The Game, Not The Odds round.

More than 500 sporting clubs, including Victoria’s 10 AFL teams, 11 leagues and commissions, and community clubs are Love the Game partners, demonstrating to young people that sport and betting do not have to go together.

Head of AFL Victoria, Brad Scott echoed this sentiment, inviting the entire AFL Victoria community to get involved.

'Hosting a Love the Game Round provides a terrific opportunity to share and celebrate all the things we enjoy about our game. Mates, fitness, skill development, being part of something.

'I strongly encourage all leagues, region commissions and clubs to partake this season. This initiative is so important. It gives us the opportunity to reduce the exposure of fans, club officials and players to sports betting promotion.'

Foundation CEO Shane Lucas agreed, explaining that it is not surprising that men aged 18 to 24 are the biggest group of sports bettors in Victoria, given they have grown up surrounded by sports betting promotions on TV, in stadiums and arenas, and on their various devices.

‘Kids should be able to enjoy sport for sport’s sake and not be thinking about who is the favourite, or which player is going to score the first goal, in order to win a bet,’ Mr Lucas said.

‘The Love the Game program raises awareness of the risks associated with sports betting, reduces the number of promotions young people see, and encourages all of us to question whether sport and gambling should go together.

‘It’s about helping kids make informed choices about gambling as they approach adulthood – and helping them avoid gambling harm.’

To find out how to get involved, download the media kit and access all resources to support: visit www.aflvic.com.au/lovethegame 

Throughout the season, Love The Game, Not The Odds rounds will be played across Victoria.

Participants are encouraged to share their photos and experiences on social media using #lovethegamenottheodds.

AFL Victoria and the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

AFL Victoria and the Foundation have partnered since 2012, with the aim to engage with young people, informing them about the risks and potential harms associated with gambling.

For hints and tips on how to start a conversation with your kids about the risks of gambling, visit www.lovethegame.vic.gov.au.