The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has unveiled its 2025 Gambling Harm Awareness Week campaign, enlisting leading Australian sports figures Sam Docherty and Cameron Munster to advocate for safer gambling practices.
The campaign, themed “Set before you bet,” targets young male gamblers, a demographic shown to be most vulnerable to the risks of wagering and sports betting. Both athletes shared their personal journeys of managing gambling habits, promoting moderation, and encouraging open conversations about harm prevention.
Rugby league player Cameron Munster spoke about the importance of setting limits to maintain focus on life priorities, while AFL star Sam Docherty highlighted the benefits of weekly deposit caps in sustaining control. VGCCC Chief Executive Suzy Neilan reinforced the message by comparing limit-setting to “putting on a seatbelt,” a simple act that can prevent significant harm.
The commission’s campaign outlines practical guidelines for responsible play such as spending no more than 2% of take-home pay on gambling, betting only once a week, and limiting activity to two products. With Australians spending over AU$7 billion annually on gambling, including AU$2.5 billion on sports betting alone, the VGCCC’s initiative arrives at a critical time.
According to the agency’s Community Attitudes Survey of over 3,000 Victorians, most respondents acknowledge gambling’s addictive potential and its impact on families. The VGCCC’s latest campaign seeks to transform awareness into action, equipping people with the knowledge and tools to gamble safely.
