Australian rugby is still prohibiting betting within the game.

Reclaim the Game is an initiative of the NSW government, and the two clubs in New South Wales have each agreed a three-year extension of their current relationships.

A fundamental tenet of the campaign is the two NRL teams’ pledge to omit betting advertisements from their broadcasts of home games. As an alternative, the clubs will inform patrons, employees, and players about the dangers of gambling while also promoting the Reclaim the Game campaign through communication channels.

“NRL games draw big audiences and receive substantial media coverage,” stated Alison Parkinson, Director of the Office of Responsible Gambling for NSW. The NRL is heavily reliant on sponsorships and betting promotion, which raises the possibility of gambling-related harm to supporters.

In an effort to make their game days family-friendly, the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs have been leaders in the NRL’s fight against the overabundance of betting advertisements. In addition to attitudes about gambling, family traditions can also influence a club’s level of support.

“We appreciate the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs’ dedication to tackling this problem and raising awareness of the possible negative effects that gambling may have on people, families, and society as a whole.”

When the public and political pressure started to build on the prominence of betting and gambling in Australian sports, the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs first joined the Reclaim the Game movement back in 2022.

“We are excited to continue our collaboration with Reclaim the Game,” said Blake Solly, CEO of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. “We are thrilled to continue working together to combat the assumption that gambling is a natural aspect of sport, as their dedication to being a part of a positive social movement coincides with the principles of our club.”

The social effects of betting have drawn criticism, especially in relation to compulsive gambling and harm from gambling. The relationship between sports betting and the sports industry—especially as it relates to marketing—has drawn special attention.

Aaron Warburton, CEO of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, stated: “We partnered with Reclaim the Game in 2022 to reject sports betting advertising. For our club, it was a unique collaboration, and one we are extremely proud of, challenging the notion that betting is a normal part of the game.

“We sincerely believe that our members and supporters should be able to watch and enjoy this beautiful game without continual advertising from sports betting organizations. Rugby League is one of the most enjoyable sporting experiences available.

“Don’t let a bet pull you away from the game; the contests, rivalries, abilities, and personalities within our game are what make it so interesting to millions of fans.”

In Australia, there are ongoing regulatory changes that are contributing to the country’s continued separation of sports and betting. The states, especially Victoria and NSW, as well as the federal government of Anthony Albanese have been focusing on reforming the betting industry’s regulations.