Last week, the Australian Football League (AFL) announced that renowned US rapper Snoop Dogg would headline the pre-game entertainment for the Grand Final. The decision was quickly met with backlash from Victorian organizations dedicated to preventing violence against women. These groups argued that Snoop Dogg’s history of misogynistic and sexually explicit lyrics made his participation “dangerous” at a time when Australia’s femicide rate is increasing.
This controversy highlights a more significant issue within the AFL and broader society: the need for a deeper conversation about the role of industries such as gambling and alcohol in perpetuating violence against women. While the debate over Snoop Dogg’s performance rages on, it overshadows more pressing concerns.
The AFL’s Entertainment Choice Sparks Debate
The announcement of Snoop Dogg’s performance at the Grand Final has become a focal point for discussions about the AFL’s responsibility in addressing violence against women. Critics argue that the choice of entertainment sends a conflicting message, especially when juxtaposed with events like the Carlton Football Club’s annual Carlton Respects round, which aims to promote gender equality and a future free of violence.
Last month, the Carlton Respects round received praise from violence prevention advocates for its educational efforts. However, the juxtaposition of this event with the uproar over Snoop Dogg illustrates a cognitive dissonance within the women’s safety sector. The sector struggles to acknowledge the role of industries such as gambling and alcohol in driving violence against women.
Gambling and Alcohol: The Overlooked Factors
Despite the focus on high-profile events, the ongoing reliance on gambling revenue by clubs like Carlton raises questions about the AFL’s commitment to preventing violence. According to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, Carlton earned over $10 million from its venues in the 2024-25 financial year. This reliance on gambling revenue persists despite evidence linking club-owned pokies machines to higher rates of family violence.
“In 2018, a report by Charles Livingstone found areas with AFL-run pokies machines experience significant increases in family violence.”
Similarly, the influence of alcohol on violence is often overlooked. Studies have shown that domestic assaults increase significantly on major sports event nights, such as the State of Origin games and the AFL Grand Final. Yet, alcohol consumption is often relegated to a secondary concern in discussions about violence prevention.
Expert Opinions and Policy Challenges
Experts in the field have long advocated for a more integrated approach to violence prevention. Caterina Giorgi, former CEO of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), emphasized the need to address alcohol and gambling as primary factors in violence against women. She noted that while changing attitudes is essential, it is insufficient without addressing these reinforcing factors.
“Governments have the information before them… we know that men are more likely to use alcohol at higher risk levels, and we know that when men are intoxicated, they’re more likely to harm a partner.”
In response to these concerns, the Albanese government commissioned a “Rapid Review” into prevention approaches, recommending a total ban on gambling advertising and stricter alcohol regulation. The review criticized existing frameworks for prioritizing gender inequality over other risk factors, leading to the neglect of issues like alcohol and gambling.
Looking Forward: Balancing Entertainment and Responsibility
The AFL’s decision to feature Snoop Dogg has sparked a necessary conversation about the broader cultural and economic factors contributing to violence against women. While gender equality remains a crucial goal, it is clear that a more holistic approach is needed, one that does not shy away from addressing the powerful influences of gambling and alcohol industries.
As Australia grapples with rising femicide rates, the importance of integrated and collaborative efforts across all drivers of violence cannot be overstated. The AFL, along with other sports organizations, must consider the implications of their entertainment choices and sponsorships on the broader societal issues they aim to combat.
For those affected by violence, support is available through services like 1800RESPECT and the Men’s Referral Service. Additionally, the National Gambling Helpline offers assistance to those struggling with gambling-related issues.
The debate over Snoop Dogg’s performance is a reminder of the complexities involved in addressing violence against women. It underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and action that goes beyond symbolic gestures to tackle the root causes of violence in society.
