Gambling rife in AFL, says expert

TWO current AFL stars have lost $1 million each on the punt, and up to 120 players and coaches have gambling issues, according to a leading counsellor.

Jan Beames, who specialises in helping elite sportspeople fight their gambling addictions, has described the problem in football as “an epidemic”.

Two players — one from a non-Victorian club and the other from a Victorian team — have each lost or owe $1 million, she has revealed.

Up to 120 players and coaches have gambling addictions or chronic issues, mainly relating to betting on horses, she estimates, saying major reform is needed to tackle the problem.

Players have even revealed that they had contemplated suicide at the height of their distress, Mrs Beames said.

Professional footballers have also described how they escape the pressures of the game by “gambling in the onseason and drugs in the offseason’’, she said. “I’d say it’s an epidemic,’’ Mrs Beames said of the gambling problem in the game.

“I’ve had two players in recent times, this year and last year, who have gambled seven figures. They’ve lost and owe what would add up to a million dollars. I’ve had players with suicidal thoughts. I have spoken to a psychiatrist who goes to a club and we think if it’s not handled properly and the AFL don’t get all over it, there will be a suicide.’’

One player estimated 70 per cent of his teammates gambled, while another said 65 per cent did, Mrs Beames revealed, saying younger athletes were being “groomed”.

“They come into a club, they haven’t gambled before, and there’s a sense of belonging,” she said.

“They have these players standing around with their iPhone open and next minute, they’re hooked. It’s grooming.”

She and her corporate psychologist husband Colin are calling for the game’s leaders to support a comprehensive antigambling initiative, describing the current program run by the AFL Players Association as “pathetic”.

The couple recently had a meeting with AFL head of football Steve Hocking. “There’s a whole issue around the response, or lack of, to gambling in the AFL,’’ Mr Beames said.

“We believe gambling is the biggest issue in the AFL.

“What’s likely to happen is the AFL will take more control of that in terms of mental health services. They act for good, they do a lot of good, so this is an area they potentially can make an issue and I think Steve Hocking wants to, because it’s a major issue.’’

Currently, players are sent to counsellors through the AFLPA. “We’re very disappointed with the AFLPA and, by the way, so are a lot of players I’ve seen,” Mrs Beames said.

Mr Hocking said the impending appointment of a mental health officer would aid the league’s understanding of why players gamble.

“When you ask the question of how big a problem it is, it’s all wrapped up in anxiety and mental health,” he said.

“There are things that trigger that kind of behaviour as a release mechanism.”

Mr Hocking would not comment on the assertion that gambling among players and coaches was an epidemic. For 24/7 support, call Lifeline 131 114, the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or go to headspace.org.au