WFNL A PROUD LOVE THE GAME PARTNER IN 2025

As a Love the Game partner since 2016, the Western Football Netball League continues to refuse sports betting sponsorships and is taking an active role in raising community awareness about the risks associated with gambling.

We know children develop attitudes towards betting early. With saturation-levels of gambling ads and sponsorship, kids today are being led to believe that gambling is normal and risk-free.

The good news is, it’s easy for parents and carers to help protect kids from developing gambling problems as adults. Having open conversations with kids about the risks of gambling is a great start, but learning how to be a positive role model to your kids is one of the best ways parents and carers can help prevent them from developing unhealthy gambling habits in the future.

That’s why the WFNL is asking parents to think before they gamble around their kids. As parents, our gambling behaviour sends a powerful message to our kids. Whether it’s using betting apps while watching the footy, or visiting the pokies, you bet your kids are watching.

Research shows that:

• When it comes to gambling, parents have the greatest influence on their children’s attitudes and behaviour
• Kids who are introduced to betting at an early age are more likely to experience problems with gambling as adults
• 2 of 3 parents who gamble does so in front of their children
• A quarter of parents reported that their child had gambled in the past year

Common ways kids are exposed to a parent’s gambling include talking about wins, asking them to pick ‘lucky numbers’ in lotteries, buying scratchies, and even taking them to gambling venues. While most parents feel confident discussing the risks of gambling with their kids, they may not realise their actions speak louder than words when it comes to gambling.

“As a league, the WFNL is dedicated to playing football and netball for the love of the game, not the odds,” said David Jennings, WFNL CEO.

“Through sport, we can help young people build friendships, resilience, and leadership skills, without the harmful distraction of betting.

“The Love the Game program equips us with resources to help young people understand how gambling really works, and the risks involved. By taking a proactive approach, we can help them develop critical thinking skills long before they’re legally allowed to bet.”

With over 600 sporting partners across Victoria, the Love the Game program continues to unite communities in creating a future where sport and betting don’t have to go hand in hand.

WFNL Love the Game Charter

Is your club a Love the Game Partner?

Join HERE or for more information on the Love the Game Program visit their website HERE.