AFL Issues Stern Gambling Warning After Audit Reveals Widespread Rule Breaches
All 18 Australian Football League clubs have been officially placed on notice following a comprehensive audit that exposed numerous gambling transgressions across the competition during the 2025 season. The bombshell development emerged as the league issued a direct and unequivocal warning to clubs about the persistent danger of potential violations, highlighting a critical integrity issue within the sport.
League Email Details Alarming Audit Findings
In a straight-shooting mass email distributed to clubs, the AFL reminded all teams of their strict obligations regarding player and official conduct related to wagering. The communication, reported by News Corp, served as a stark reminder of the league's zero-tolerance policy. The 2025 Wagering Audit, conducted by the AFL Integrity and Security Department, confirmed that multiple players and officials were found in breach of AFL Rules and/or VFL Regulations.
The email explicitly stated that all players remain completely banned from betting on any AFL matches and must never permit other individuals access to their personal betting accounts. Furthermore, the league frowns upon any form of gambling promotion by those associated with the competition. This reinforcement comes amid growing concerns about the proliferation of 'Bets With Mates' syndicates, where groups of friends collectively gamble, potentially blurring lines of responsibility and compliance.
Historical Precedents of Gambling Sanctions
The AFL's heightened vigilance is informed by previous high-profile cases that resulted in significant penalties. In 2019, Collingwood forward Jaidyn Stephenson received a 22-match ban, with 12 matches suspended, for placing a series of bets, including on fixtures in which he personally participated. More recently, in 2022, Gold Coast Suns Academy product Rhys Nicholls was handed a two-game suspension and a $5,000 fine for placing 10 bets totalling $256, despite never having played a senior game for the club.
These incidents underscore the league's ongoing battle to maintain the sport's integrity and public trust. The recent email, titled 'Reminder to AFL Players and Officials on Gambling', aimed to reinforce the absolute gambling prohibition outlined in all AFL contracts. It emphasised that breaches often stem from inadequate education or uncertainty about obligations, rather than deliberate malfeasance.
Specific Rules and Educational Measures
The league's communication meticulously outlined Rule 32.3, which prohibits:
- Betting or wagering on any Australian football contingency
- Allowing others access to personal betting accounts for such purposes
- Having an interest in bets placed by others on football contingencies
- Facilitating or assisting in the making of such bets
- Encouraging, inducing, advertising, or promoting betting without prior AFL permission
To address knowledge gaps, the AFL pointed to recent gambling education modules completed by many players as part of the AFL Player and Personnel Management training. The league encouraged anyone with questions about rule application to contact the AFL's People and Culture team or the league directly, stressing that compliance is non-negotiable.
Implications for the Upcoming Season
With the 2026 AFL season scheduled to commence on March 5, when the Sydney Swans host Carlton at the SCG, this warning serves as a critical pre-season reminder. The audit findings and subsequent communication signal the league's intensified focus on eradicating gambling-related misconduct, ensuring that all participants understand their responsibilities to uphold the sport's integrity. As clubs prepare for the new campaign, adherence to these strict regulations will be paramount to avoiding further sanctions and preserving the competition's reputation.
