The Australian Football League is set to lose out on about AU$120m (US$79m) each year if a blanket ban on gambling ads in the country comes into place. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

The Australian Football League (AFL) is set to lose over AU$120m (US$79m) annually if legislation banning gambling ads in Australia comes into effect. According to documents obtained and reviewed by 9News, the such a move could have great consequences for the Australian football grassroots scene.

committing to give 10% of its revenue each year to develop the game

With the AFL committing to give 10% of its revenue each year to develop the game, this means that funding for youth programs and small clubs could be cut by about AU$12m (US$8m) annually.

While the organization is yet to comment on the plans to introduce the new legislation, it has in the past supported “proportional and balanced” limits on gambling ads.

The current plan that has garnered widespread support from lawmakers would implement a blanket ban on ads, phased in over a three-year period.