Aussie sports stars back Gambling Harm Awareness Week
Former Carlton captain Sam Docherty and NRL superstar Cameron Munster have thrown their weight behind Gambling Harm Awareness Week, encouraging Australians to set betting limits and recognise the risks associated with gambling.
The two sporting stars have joined the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) for its 2026 awareness campaign, which runs from October 24 to 31.
Docherty, who has previously spoken publicly about his experiences with gambling, said planning ahead was an important part of avoiding gambling-related harm.
“My journey with gambling hasn’t been linear,” he said.
“There have been things that I’ve got right and things I’ve got wrong, but one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to think ahead before placing a bet.
“That means deciding what I’m comfortable spending, setting limits and sticking to them. Finding the approach that works for you can make all the difference.”
Munster, who plays for Melbourne Storm in the NRL, said his family provided an important motivation for maintaining control over his gambling.
“It all comes back to my family. Going to the races or a sporting event can be a great day out, but it’s important to know your limits and have strategies that help you stay on track,” he said.
“When I think about what’s most important to me, being present for my kids is a powerful reminder of why those limits matter.”
The campaign comes as Victorians spend more than $7 billion annually on gambling, including approximately $2.6 billion on wagering and sports betting.
This year’s initiative encourages people to consider how frequently they gamble, how much time they spend betting and whether they have effective limits in place.
The VGCCC is promoting three practical measures: taking regular breaks from gambling, limiting betting to no more than once a week and setting time limits before gambling.
The regulator has also partnered with consumer neuroscientist Dr Phil Harris to explain how gambling can influence decision-making.
Harris said the anticipation of winning could interfere with people’s ability to assess financial risks and make considered decisions.
“When the rewards system in our brain is driving our decisions, we tend to turn down signals from other parts of the brain that are much more sensitive to risk,” he said.
“So, we are much more likely to make impulsive decisions that aren’t necessarily in our best interest.”
Docherty and Munster have discussed their personal experiences with Harris in new digital and social media content produced for the campaign.
VGCCC chief executive Suzy Neilan said the involvement of two prominent Australian sporting figures would help bring the safer gambling message to a wider audience.
“Sam and Cameron are champions of the sporting world, and the authenticity that they bring the campaign helps foster a safer-gambling culture across the community. I’d like to thank them for helping to encourage others to implement safer gambling practices,” she said.
Neilan also warned that gambling operators had ongoing responsibilities to protect customers, regardless of whether an awareness campaign was underway.
“Preventing gambling harm is not a one-week campaign, it’s a year-round commitment,” she said.
“We are focused on ensuring the industry has the systems and controls in place to minimise gambling harm and protect Victorians.”
“When operators fail to meet their obligations, we do not hesitate in applying appropriate regulatory action.”
Gambling Harm Awareness Week is an annual Victorian initiative aimed at increasing awareness of gambling-related risks and encouraging people to adopt practical measures to reduce potential harm.
