Gambling on football a growing problem

 
Rich_daddy Roar Pro

By Rich_daddy, 7 Jun 2010 Rich_daddy is a Roar Pro

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    During recent times I have noticed a huge spike in the prevalence of advertising relating to placing a bet on games when watching the football. Gambling has been always been part of sport growing up as a lad, but it was mainly isolated to horse racing.

    But in the last ten years betting agencies have decided it would be a good idea to actively encourage people to part with their cash whilst supporting their local footy team.

    Betting on football has become such a big industry that these days the latest odds are displayed on television during previews for matches or even during the game if following it online. You can even support your team by going to “Bomberbet” or “Crowsbet” online.

    It may just be me, but I have a huge problem with this.

    Gambling is an addiction that destroys people’s lives. Worst still, the regulations (or lack thereof) prohibit any person taking action to prevent someone gambling away their life savings.

    The responsibility is on the person with the gambling addiction.

    Of course gambling can be enjoyed in moderation but there’s no doubt mass advertising is going to encourage addicts or potential addicts to place a bet. The AFL and NRL show their hypocrisy on this issue by demanding players and supporters act like saints at all times and have punished those in the inner circle that have made bets on games.

    But on the other hand they accept massive revenue from these organisations that deal in people’s misery. Something needs to change.

    From what I understand there was a law that was in place that prohibited television stations actively referring to odds on matches. The odds were to be “seen and not heard”.

    ABC’s Mediawatch questioned channel Nine’s rugby league coverage and its references to gambling but this seemed to fall on deaf ears. It now appears to have gone out the window altogether.

    These days, in the case of the AFL Footy Show, the betting odds (which simply appeared without any reference from speakers) are now great sources of discussion when players and hosts when giving their tip.

    The pathetically clichéd “please gamble responsibility” appears in fine print down the bottom or may get mentioned by one of the hosts.

    Cigarette companies are banned from advertising and the issue on restrictions on alcohol advertising have also been flagged. The time has come for the gambling cancer to be controlled by the relevant authority.

    It is likely to happen considering the money involved? Don’t bet on it.