The Aussie Rules top league really blundered. They yanked an anti-wagering push from their site after just a few days because it conflicted with their financial partnership with Sportsbet. How embarrassing!
The initiative, dubbed “Love the game, not the odds,” received funding from the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF) and showcased athletes from Victorian AFL teams. It’s still airing on television and radio throughout the state, promoting mindful betting.
The AFL confessed they fumbled by neglecting to inform the VRGF they were pulling the plug. They even admitted to removing it from their website, labeling it an error. A representative stated they have a longstanding relationship with the VRGF and anticipate collaborating with them further down the line.
However, the VRGF is quite disappointed, particularly since ESPN axed the campaign as well. Their head honcho, Shane Lucas, highlighted how concerned Victorians are about youngsters being inundated with sports wagering commercials.
All Victorian Australian Rules Football teams have adopted a firm position against partnerships with sports wagering entities, completely refusing them.
These clubs conveyed dissatisfaction with the AFL and ESPN’s removal of their “Appreciate the sport, not the wagers” initiative from their broadcasts. Despite this, they comprehend the AFL’s clarification that it was an unintentional error and value the pledge to bring back the campaign.