Bulldogs Commit to Three More Years of Tackling Sports Betting Advertising
Fans of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs can anticipate more games with reduced sports betting advertising, as the Club and Reclaim the Game extend their partnership for an additional three years.
The decision to extend the partnership follows two successful years of collaborating with the NSW Government’s Reclaim the Game initiative. The Bulldogs have been working with Reclaim the Game since March 2022, and are one of the first NRL clubs to partner on the initiative.
During this time, the Club has made significant strides in reshaping attitudes towards sports betting within the NRL community. The 2023 Reclaim the Game survey illustrates a notable increase in awareness among supporters about where to get help for gambling-related issues, and since joining forces, Bulldogs’ Members and fans have exhibited heightened awareness of GambleAware services with approximately one in three supporters now familiar with the GambleAware website and helpline.
Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton said that the Bulldogs community has shown immense support for the partnership:
“In 2022 we joined forces with Reclaim the Game to say no to sports betting advertising. It was a first of its kind partnership for our Club and one we are extremely proud of, challenging the notion that betting is a normal part of the game.
“Rugby League is one of the most entertaining sporting experiences on offer and we firmly believe that our Members and fans should be able to watch and enjoy this great game without constant advertising from sports betting companies. The contests, rivalries, skills and personalities within our game are what make it so attractive to millions of viewers and we couldn’t put it better than to say, don’t let a bet take you away from the game.”
The partnership, which has now been extended for an additional three years, supports the Bulldogs’ efforts to provide a more family-friendly sporting experience at home matches. It means the Bulldogs will opt not to accept betting sponsorship or advertisements, rather the Club will actively promote Reclaim the Game to educate players, staff and fans about the risks associated with gambling.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs were also early adopters of the initiative, joining forces with Reclaim the Game in the same year as the Bulldogs. The two sides are set to face off on Good Friday, March 29, 2024, at Accor Stadium, in a match entirely devoid of betting advertisements and will continue to encourage more rugby league fans to be gamble aware.
Director of the Office of Responsible Gambling, Alison Parkinson is excited to continue working with the Bulldogs.
“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 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.
“We are pleased to see the Bulldogs’ commitment to addressing this issue, highlighting the potential harms that gambling can cause individuals, families and society.”
If you or someone you care about needs support or advice, please call GambleAware on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential help and support 24/7. For more information, please visit: www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/awareness-campaigns/reclaim-the-game
