We love footy, which is why we’re 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. In 2022, $309,204,000 was spent on gambling advertising in Australia, which is enough to fill the MCG 114.5 times. * 

Excessive promotions are making young people think gambling on sport is normal and without risk. People aged 18–24 are the first generation to have grown up 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 life about the risks and potential consequences of gambling. Encourage them to love the game, not the odds. 

For more information on how to start the conversation, visit lovethegame.vic.gov.au. 

_{* Based on the average price for adult general admission tickets to a standard match at the MCG in 2023, which was $27. The MCG holds 100,000 people.} 

_{^ Source: Nielsen Ad Intel, estimated advertising spend based on monitored media channels and outlets, Jan 1 to Dec 31 2022 (2022), Jan 3 2021 to Jan 1 2022 (2021)}