Australia Gambling Jersey Ban Delayed To 2031
Australia has passed legislation banning gambling company logos from players' and officials' jerseys, but existing sponsorship deals will be allowed to run until December 31, 2031, prompting criticism from politicians who say the transition is too slow.
The Albanese government's reform bars new gambling branding from professional jerseys, but current commercial agreements can continue for up to five more years.
The government has defended the delay as a pragmatic way of honouring contracts already in place, with Communications Minister Anika Wells saying it would prefer clubs to end wagering partnerships early but that the decision rests with individual organisations.
Seven National Rugby League clubs currently hold sports betting sponsorship or lottery-branded partnerships, including the Newcastle Knights, Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters, who have had a long standing deal with Unibet.
The Brisbane Broncos, Dolphins and Wests Tigers also have gambling-linked commercial ties. Domestic lottery operators are exempt from the new rules, so the Gold Coast Titans' deal with The Lottery Office is unaffected.
Lawmakers Call The Delay Too Generous
Independent Senator David Pocock has been among the most vocal critics, arguing sporting organisations should drop sports betting sponsorship voluntarily rather than wait out the full transition period.
He has also pointed out that gambling branding could still appear on professional jerseys when the legislation undergoes its planned three-year review.
Liberal MP Andrew Wallace, who had proposed a two-year transition instead, made a similar argument that clubs would have had ample time to replace sponsors under a shorter timeline.
Part Of A Wider Advertising Crackdown
The jersey restrictions sit alongside a broader package of gambling advertising reforms due to take effect on January 1, 2027, including tighter controls on wagering promotions across broadcast media, online platforms and sporting venues, and new limits on the use of athletes, celebrities and influencers in gambling ads.
Public health advocates argue that the long jersey transition undercuts that broader goal, since ongoing sponsorships could keep normalising betting brands for younger fans in the meantime.
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