The South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have announced extensions to their partnerships with the New South Wales Government’s Reclaim the Game initiative. This decision solidifies their commitment to reducing the pervasive presence of sports betting advertising for another three years, furthering the initiative’s mission to reshape the gambling culture within sports.
Clubs Extend Partnership with Reclaim the Game Initiative
The Rabbitohs and Bulldogs have been at the forefront of this endeavour, collaborating with Reclaim the Game for the past two years and contributing significantly to shifting attitudes towards sports betting within their respective communities. The 2023 Reclaim the Game survey underscores their impact, revealing a marked increase in awareness among the clubs’ supporters regarding where to seek assistance for gambling-related issues. Approximately one in three Rabbitohs and Bulldogs fans are now familiar with GambleAware services, a dedicated website and helpline.
Forging a Path Towards Family-Friendly Game Days
As part of their renewed pledge, both clubs have agreed to refrain from displaying betting advertisements at their home games, fostering a family-friendly environment. Furthermore, they will actively promote Reclaim the Game through their communication channels and educate players, staff, and fans about the potential risks associated with gambling.
The upcoming clash between the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs on Friday, 29 March, at Accor Stadium Homebush, will serve as a testament to their shared commitment, providing fans with an uninterrupted and wholesome sporting experience.
Reclaim the Game: A Burgeoning Movement
The Reclaim the Game program, launched by the NSW Government in 2020, has expanded its reach, now boasting 11 partners across five sporting codes, including the AFL, A-League, cricket, NBL, and NRL. This collaborative effort aims to reduce the prevalence of sports betting advertising and promote responsible gambling practices among fans.
Alison Parkinson, Director of the Office of Responsible Gambling, commended the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs for their pioneering efforts, stating, “NRL games draw huge crowds and receive extensive media coverage. The NRL is highly intertwined with betting advertising and sponsorships, increasing the risk of gambling harm among fans. The Rabbitohs and Bulldogs have been pioneers against the saturation of betting ads in the NRL, helping to make their game days a family-friendly experience. Family traditions often shape support for a club, and attitudes towards gambling can also be passed down through generations.”
The Spectre of a Nationwide Betting Ad Ban
While current regulations in Australia prohibit gambling advertisements during live sport broadcasts between 5 am and 8:30 pm, the debate over a more stringent nationwide ban is gaining traction. With over one million gambling adverts featured on Australian free-to-air television and metro radio in the 12 months leading up to 30 April 2023, the call for a comprehensive prohibition on gambling advertising is growing louder.
Last year, a parliamentary inquiry into online gambling recommended a phased ban across all media, leaving no room for circumvention. The House of Representatives committee on social policy and legal affairs inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on problem gamblers released a report outlining 31 recommendations for reforming the gambling sector in Australia, including a blanket ban on all gambling advertising on both broadcast media and online.
As the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs continue to lead by example, their sustained efforts, alongside the burgeoning Reclaim the Game movement, are paving the way for a sports industry that prioritizes the well-being of fans over commercial interests. The potential for a nationwide betting ad ban could redefine the landscape of sports sponsorship and advertising, ushering in a new era of responsible gambling practices and safeguarding the integrity of sports for generations to come.
