Several NRL clubs will have to remove gambling sponsors from their jerseys under new gambling reforms announced by the federal government on Thursday.
The number of TV gambling ads will be capped and all radio broadcasts promoting a punt will be banned during school pick-up and drop-off after a scathing review into gambling harm in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
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“We think we’ve got the balance right,” he said.
“To be clear, this is the most significant reform on gambling that has ever been implemented, following the previously most significant reform that gambling had ever had, that we did in our first term.”
Under the reforms, the number of TV gambling agency ads will be capped to a maximum of three per hour between 6am and 8.30pm.
All gambling ads will also be banned during school pick-up and drop-off times.
“We will ban cross-promotion content that mixes commentary with odds, and advertising on jerseys and jumpers and in stadiums,” Mr Albanese said in his address.
“And we will ban online advertising unless the user is verified as being over 18 and has the ability to opt out.
“Just as importantly, we will block illegal offshore gaming sites and ban online Keno by-products, the so-called pocket pokies … and we will keep building on the success of Betstop, promoting and strengthening a program that is changing lives.”
The reforms will have an impact on several NRL clubs who have betting agencies as their sponsor on the top-back of their jerseys.
The Dolphins (Betr), Newcastle Knights, Penrith Panthers (Picklebet), Sydney Roosters (Unibet) and Wests Tigers (PlayUp) would all be affected.
On top of that, the Brisbane Broncos have The Star (casino) as their back-top sponsor and the Gold Coast Titans have The Lottery Office as their front of jersey partner.
Meanwhile, Sportsbet is a major partner of the AFL and has this year moved to in-stadium LED advertisements.
The betting agency told the AFR it was a “voluntary decision” that “forms part of a multi-year strategy to reduce the prominence of wagering advertising around live sport”.
In 2023, late Labor MP Peta Murphy handed down her report on gambling harm – a scathing review that found Australians lost about $31.5bn annually, the highest per-capita loss in the world, and called for a phased ban on online gambling advertising within three years.
The government will develop legislation to implement these measures, with reforms to begin from 1 January 2027.
The reforms include:
— Restricting gambling advertising on broadcast television to no more than three ads each hour between 6am and 8.30pm, with a complete ban during live sport broadcasts within those hours
— Banning gambling ads on the radio during school drop off and pick up times (8am to 9am and 3pm to 4pm)
— Banning gambling ads through online platforms, unless people have a logged in account, are over 18 and have the option to opt-out of gambling advertising
— Banning the use of celebrities and sports players in gambling ads, along with odds-style adds targeting fans
— Banning gambling ads in sports venues and on players’ and officials’ uniforms.
‘Break the connection’
In a statement, Sports Minister Anika Wells said the reforms would “break the connection between wagering and sport, minimise children’s exposure to wagering advertising and reduce its saturation across the internet, radio and TV channels”.
“From 1 January next year Australians will be able to sit down with their families and cheer on their favourite team without being bombarded by gambling advertising,” Ms Wells said.
“Australian parents, families and sports fans have been calling for action, and we thank all those involved for their continued engagement and advocacy as we’ve worked continuously to get the settings balanced and right.”
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said gambling had been recognised as a contributing factor in domestic violence.
“Young men are particularly vulnerable to gambling harm,” she said.
“These reforms will put the welfare of young Australians first and play a critical role to help prevent family and domestic violence.”
Ms Plibersek said the reforms would ensure “a new generation of kids don’t grow up thinking having a punt is a vital part of enjoying sport”.
– With NewsWire
