Why some are saying no to sports betting and its ad dollars
Some prominent sports media properties are saying no to sports betting partnerships. The federal government announced this week it would require new warnings in ads by betting companies to replace the phrase "gamble responsibly". Professional sport clubs are increasingly signing on to anti-gambling campaigns. Western Sydney Wanderers extended their relationship with the NSW Office of Responsible Gaming and its Reclaim the Game campaign to include their A-League Women's side. The program's funding for the current year is $1.2 million. It is funded by a levy from NSW’s casinos and the point of consumption tax on online wagering.
The federal government admits current requirements for gambling ads haven't worked.
Sports betting is a growing source of revenue for Australian sports. The gambling industry spent $287 million on advertising in Australia in 2021. Some sports podcasts have turned down sponsorship offers from gambling companies. The Grade Cricketer podcast is listened to by tens of thousands of young adults. It is also listened by cricket journalists Geoff Lemon and Adam Collins. They have also interviewed ABC journalist Steve Cannane. He investigated Bet365, Cricket Australia's own wagering partner. His investigation revealed it was a gambling company.
Max Rushden has ended his betting partnership with a bookmaker. He is the host of the Guardian Football Weekly podcast. The podcast is fifth on Apple's Australian sport podcasts chart. Many believe there is too much sport betting advertising. Nine out of 10 sports fans agree. People aged 12 to 17 see too many sports betting ads. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth announced a change in gambling advertising taglines today. She said it's the first step in a range of reforms. It's not clear if it will be the same as cigarette and alcohol advertising, which is being considered.
Rushden is concerned about gambling addiction and wants to ban betting ads. He won't take money directly from bookies. He recognises gambling is an established part of sport and society. The government is taking steps to minimise gambling harm or fraud. An exclusion register will be coming in at the end of November.
