Can't view the video? Click here to watch it on YouTube

PROBLEM gambling is far and away the No.1 problem facing young AFL footballers today, North Melbourne coach Brad Scott says.

Scott said he was significantly more concerned about the dangers problem gambling presented to AFL players than those posed by illicit drugs and alcohol.

"I can honestly say as the coach of North Melbourne the thing that concerns me most about young AFL players is problem gambling," Scott said at Aegis Park on Thursday.

"I put it well ahead of drug abuse or alcohol abuse."

Scott said he had been told by problem gambling experts that AFL players were among the groups in society most at risk of developing a gambling addiction.

"Our players are right in that mix. They're young, they're impressionable, they've got disposable income and they've got time, so they fit right into that category and we should be concerned about it," Scott said.

Scott praised the AFL's world-leading illicit drug policy and education programs on responsible alcohol consumption, but said more could be done to prevent problem gambling among AFL players.

"I think the issue itself is one the AFL is working hard on but we can always do better," he said.

Scott said North should be "commended" for recently aligning with international charity World Vision, which refuses to align itself with any organisation that makes money from gambling.

Scott said forgoing potential gambling income would not hurt North's ability to invest in its football department, pointing out that the club's revenue had increased substantially in the past four years without any pokies income.

"By taking this stand we're creating a point of difference and I'm sure there are organisations that would like to align themselves with what we're doing," he said.

"We certainly are forgoing revenue from pokies … but we think we'll more than make up for that from organisations that want to get on board and align themselves with what we're doing and sponsor us."

Can't view the video? Click here to watch it on YouTube