The South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, two Australian National Rugby League (NRL) clubs, have come to an agreement to continue prohibiting all sports wagering sponsorships for the next three years.

Both clubs, situated in New South Wales (NSW), will not showcase betting advertisements during NRL home matches. They will also continue to educate players, staff, and supporters about the dangers of gambling.

This is in line with the NSW government’s “Take Back the Game” initiative. Launched in 2020, the campaign encompasses numerous sports, motivating teams to steer clear of marketing agreements with gambling businesses.

The Rabbitohs and Bulldogs have backed the initiative for the past two years, displaying the “Take Back the Game” branding at all home matches.

According to the NSW government, awareness of GambleAware responsible gambling services has substantially increased among members and fans since partnering with the two clubs. The state government reports that approximately one-third of Rabbitohs and Bulldogs supporters are familiar with the GambleAware website and hotline.

NRL contests draw in massive crowds and garner extensive media attention,” stated Alison Parkinson, Head of the NSW Responsible Gambling Office. “The NRL has a close bond with betting advertisements and sponsorships, which elevates the danger of fans experiencing harm from gambling.

“The South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canterbury Bulldogs are spearheading the opposition to the widespread presence of gambling promotions in the NRL. They are striving to transform their game days into a family-friendly environment. Family customs often shape loyalty to clubs. Perspectives on gambling can also be passed down through generations.”

The endeavor has garnered broader support, allowing it to reach millions of viewers across more than 260 matches. The government added that this encompasses television broadcasts and within stadiums.

“Reclaim the Game” now boasts 11 partners from five sporting leagues, including the Australian Football League (AFL), A-League, Cricket, National Basketball League and NRL.

Other teams and organizations backing the initiative include AFL team Sydney Swans, A-League clubs Western Sydney Wanderers FC and Macarthur FC, and Cricket NSW.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with ‘Reclaim the Game’,” said South Sydney Rabbitohs Chief Executive Blake Solly. “They are dedicated to engaging in positive social movements, which aligns with our club’s principles. We are thrilled to continue collaborating with them to challenge the perception of gambling as a standard aspect of sports.”

Rugby league is a truly delightful experience in the realm of sports, stated Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton. The organization is convinced that its members and supporters should have the opportunity to watch and savor this fantastic game without being subjected to a relentless barrage of promotional materials from sports wagering firms.

Could Australia prohibit wagering commercials?
In Australia, wagering companies are already subject to certain limitations on advertising. Regulations forbid the broadcasting of wagering commercials during live sporting events between the hours of 5:00 am and 8:30 pm. This restriction applies to both traditional broadcast and streaming platforms.

However, there is still a significant presence of wagering advertisements in Australia. In the twelve-month period ending on April 30, 2023, there were over a million advertisements on free-to-air television and metropolitan radio in Australia. Approximately half of these advertisements were for online operators.

Some broadcasting entities have already implemented their own measures to curtail wagering advertisements. For instance, the Special Broadcasting Service enables viewers to opt out of receiving wagering advertisements.

This scenario could evolve further, and Australia might confront a complete prohibition on advertising. In the preceding year, a parliamentary investigation into online gambling recommended a gradual ban on wagering advertising across all media platforms.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs inquiry into online gambling and its impact on individuals struggling with gambling problems issued a report outlining thirty-one recommendations for reforming Australia’s gambling industry.

The group desires to fully eliminate all gambling advertisements on television, radio, and the web. They aim to shut down any loopholes that could circumvent the prohibition. This is merely one of numerous proposals the group has put forward.

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