Footy legends team up to champion limit setting

Aussie Rules football legend Sam Docherty and rugby league superstar Cameron Munster are teaming up for Gambling Harm Awareness Week to encourage people to set limits before they bet.

Both footballers use practical tools when they gamble and are sharing their advice with others, particularly males aged 18–34 who are the biggest users of wagering and sports gambling products.

‘I’m committed to raising awareness and encouraging safer gambling habits. I know from experience the highs and lows that can come with gambling. Now, I want to focus on supporting change so that gambling harm can be minimised.

‘In the last few years, I have grown immensely as a person and by setting limits, I’ve had the occasional gamble but have been able to focus on what matters most’, Munster said.

Sam Docherty said, ‘I’ve had my struggles with gambling in the past and now I set a weekly deposit limit. I’ve found it really helps keep my gambling activity in check. People struggling with gambling harm can feel stuck and alone because of feelings like shame and guilt - and I want them to know that it's okay to seek help.

‘It’s important that people, especially young guys, think about their actions before they place a bet. I wouldn’t take to the field without warming up and making sure my body was match fit. Setting a limit is the same. It will help protect you,’ Docherty said.

Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) CEO, Suzy Neilan said safety should be front of mind as the state’s sporting calendar ramps up.

‘There is always a spike in wagering and sports gambling at this time of year, which is why it’s crucial we reach people that are statistically at greater risk of experiencing gambling harm.’

‘This is about safety. Setting a limit is like putting on a seatbelt as soon as you get in the car. Limits can reduce the likelihood of you experiencing gambling harm.’

Victorians spend more than $7 billion a year on gambling, including approximately $2.5 billion on wagering and sports betting products.

Gambling Harm Awareness Week is an annual event that encourages people to understand the risks of gambling. The 2025 campaign ‘Set before you bet’ focuses on how setting limits can reduce someone’s risk of experiencing gambling harm. Protective behaviours that can be used include:

• Gamble no more than 2 per cent of your take home pay.
• Gamble no more than once a week.
• Gamble on no more than 2 different products.

‘Sam and Cameron have unique experiences with gambling, and I commend them for implementing their own strategies, including setting limits when they gamble.

‘What’s more, it’s great that these role models are now sharing their lessons and advice with other young men who are the cohort most at risk from experiencing gambling harm from sports betting,’ Ms Neilan said.

The VGCCC has today released findings from the annual Community Attitudes Survey, which asked more than 3,000 Victorians about their views on gambling. The survey shows that most Victorians overwhelmingly agree gambling is addictive and can damage families and communities.

‘With the widespread popularity of sports betting, it is so important for people to understand our Gambling Harm Awareness Week message and set limits before they bet’, Ms Neilan said.

‘Gambling is a personal choice, and it’s vital that people are equipped with the knowledge and practical tools to manage their activity and participate safely.

‘The gambling industry must act with integrity, comply with their licence conditions and Code of Conduct obligations, and care for their customers who may be showing signs of gambling harm.’

Additional information:

Anyone negatively affected by their own or someone else’s gambling is encouraged to call the 24/7 Gambler’s Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.

People with concerns about a gambling provider’s behaviour can lodge a complaint or tip-off with the VGCCC.