Former AFL star Brendan Fevola used to frequently gamble in poker games. Picture: Nathan Richter Source: The Daily Telegraph
A CHORUS of leading AFL figures have warned sports betting by players has reached troubling levels.
The combination of easy access to betting websites, 24-hour televised sport and high incomes is blamed for the escalating issue.
Player managers, players and former problem gamblers in the AFL say too many sportsmen are splashing money they cannot afford to lose.
Technology such as smart phones, the mushrooming of corporate bookmakers and high interest levels in international sports from AFL players is a dangerous mix.
Anti-gambling counsellor and former Melbourne midfielder Daniel Ward told the Herald Sun: "There is a lot of it out there at the moment."
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" It is spoken about behind people's backs and in whispers," he said.
"It's not a witch hunt and it's not being alarmist, but it is real."
Ward echoed North Melbourne coach Brad Scott, who last year said gambling was a bigger concern for AFL players than alcohol or drugs.
More than 50 players - about 6 per cent of the competition - were lured into a racing syndicate, and were battling to get their money back.
Player manager Paul Connors said he was worried players with hours to kill and money to burn were filling that time with gambling on sports other than AFL.
"I think gambling is an issue. It used to be poker, which led to other stuff," Connors said.
"I have been a manager for 15 years now and I just think it's readily available online and in casinos, and I think it's going to continue to be an issue.
"Players will be bored. And if they are not doing things outside footy they have downtime and they spend money and you just can't stop that." AFLPA player relations general manager Ian Prendergast said the player union was working hard to educate players and limit the number with gambling problems.
"I think we are aware of individual players who have issues with gambling. Generally speaking we have a young playing group who are risktakers with a fair amount of discretionary income available," he said.
"We are trying to stay vigilant and be really proactive with our (anti-gambling and (education) programs."
Recently retired Collingwood and Gold Coast player Josh Fraser said it was easy for young players to follow the lead of wealthier teammates who could afford to drop some money.
"Younger guys can get caught up in it pretty quickly. There are just so many avenues to have a bet these days.
"I am not concerned about football but it is the horses and sports, and the younger guys are so impressionable," he said.
"$500 to a guy who has been in the system for eight to 10 years is not much, but for a guy just in the system, it is."
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