Nat Edwards: Welcome to AFL Daily. I'm your host, Nat Edwards, and today we're diving deep into a topic that's been stirring up a lot of discussion among sports fans and policymakers alike — the overwhelming presence of gambling advertising in Australian media. Joining me is someone who knows the world of AFL like the back of his hand, ex-coach and player, Nathan Buckley. Nathan, it’s great to have you with us today.
Nathan Buckley: Thanks for having me, Nat. It’s an important conversation to have and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss it here.
Nat Edwards: Absolutely. Nathan, you've seen the landscape of sports evolve over your career. Can you talk about how gambling advertising has become so dominant in that space?
Nathan Buckley: Well, Nat, there has been quite a shift since it all began. What began as a bet here or there among friends has over the years turned into something you can’t escape. You can't watch a game or even listen to the radio without being bombarded with gambling ads. It’s become as common as the game itself.
Nat Edwards: And you think that the visibility of this content has a significant impact on the way people think about Australian sport?
Nathan Buckley: Absolutely. Watching a game should be about the thrill of the sport, the skills on display, not about the odds of a player scoring the next goal or the final margin.
Nat Edwards: Would you mind expanding on that for us?
Nathan Buckley: Well Nat, it’s not just about the adults who might place a bet. It’s about how these ads penetrate Aussie homes. More needs to be said about how the advertising is affecting the way families and especially children perceive sports.
Nat Edwards: How interesting Nathan. So you’ve worked with Gambler's Help in the past; and for listeners unaware Gambler’s Help is an organisation that supports those affected by gambling. What insights can you share from that experience regarding the impact of gambling?
Nathan Buckley: Working with Gambler’s Help opened my eyes to how normalised betting has become and the devastating impact it can have. Stories of young people, who have already lost significant amounts of money from being introduced to sports betting. It’s confronting being reminded that this affects so many young people.
Nat Edwards: Can you talk a little more on how the influence on the younger generation is particularly concerning?
Nathan Buckley: It's very concerning. Kids are growing up with a skewed perception of gambling, seeing it as easy or fun, which is dangerous. They're the future of our sport, the future of our nation, and we need to protect them. As a society in Australia we have normalised the notion of sports betting as part of our culture and this is in no small way because of the numerous gambling advertisements we are exposed to everyday.
Nat Edwards: That really shows how naive we can be. As we wrap up, what steps do you believe we need to take to address this issue?
Nathan Buckley: We need stronger regulations, no doubt about it. But beyond that, we need to continue to educate our youth about the risks of gambling. Sports bodies, governments, everyone needs to come together to reduce the exposure and impact of gambling ads.
Nat Edwards: Nathan, thank you for sharing your insights and for championing this cause. It's been enlightening coming from someone so well connected to the AFL and is really able to see the direct effects of gambling among fans and those within the sport. What message do you want to leave with our listeners today?
Nathan Buckley: Thanks, Nat. The message is simple: Let’s bring sports back to what it’s really about - the game and the spirit, not the bet.
Nat Edwards: Thank you again Nathan. You’ve been listening to AFL Daily. Let’s keep the conversation with your friends and family so we can work towards a healthier sporting culture. For more information on how you can be more educated about the effects of gambling or to receive free confidential support visit: gamblershelp.com.au or call 1800 858 858
