Reclaim the Game, a NSW Government initiative that challenges the normalisation of sports betting and advertising in sport, is thrilled to announce a three-year extension of its partnership with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, one of the most iconic and successful rugby league clubs in Australia.
The renewal of this partnership underscores Reclaim the Game's commitment to raising community awareness around the risks associated with gambling. As part of the extended partnership, Reclaim the Game will continue to provide the South Sydney Rabbitohs community with a more family-friendly sporting experience at their home matches so that fans can enjoy the match without betting and betting advertising getting in the way.
"We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Reclaim the Game," said Blake Solly, CEO of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Blake SollyTheir commitment to being part of a positive social movement aligns with the values of our Club, and we are excited to continue working together to challenge the notion that gambling is a normal part of sport
Reclaim the Game and the Rabbitohs have been successfully working together for two seasons, with Rabbitohs’ Members, fans, and the community showing immense support for the initiative. The partnership extension reflects the mutual trust and shared values between the two organizations.
Director of the Office of Responsible Gambling, Alison Parkinson is excited to continue working with the Rabbitohs. “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 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 Rabbitohs’ commitment to addressing this issue, highlighting the potential harms that gambling can cause individuals, families, and society.”
Research shows that almost 50 per cent of 12–17-year-olds saw gambling advertising on television during sport on a weekly basis. Research has also found that many young people think sports betting is normal - and just over a third reported that gambling advertisements had increased their knowledge of gambling options.
There is growing community concern that children and young people are being exposed to too much gambling advertising and that sports betting advertising makes gambling a normal part of sport. As such, the Rabbitohs will continue to educate their fans, players, staff, and community on the importance of the Reclaim the Game initiative and how to be gamble aware.
The Rabbitohs play their rivals the Bulldogs on Good Friday on 29 March at Accor Stadium. With both teams involved in the Reclaim the Game initiative, this match will again be free of any sports betting advertising.
To learn more about Reclaim the Game, please visit: https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/awareness-campaigns/reclaim-the-game.
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.
