Australia allows gambling company logos on sports uniforms until 2032
In Australia, gambling company logos may remain on the uniforms of professional sports teams until 2032 despite a ban on their placement. According to The Guardian, Anthony Albanese’s government has legally established a five-year transition period for existing agreements between clubs and betting companies.
The provisions for existing contracts allow such logos to remain until December 31, 2031. As the outlet notes, eighth-grade students who now see gambling advertising on athletes’ uniforms may continue to see it until they finish school.
Criticism of the transition period
Independent Senator David Pocock called on clubs to end sponsorship agreements with betting companies as soon as possible. According to him, during the legally mandated three-year review of the new rules, betting logos may still remain on team uniforms.
Liberal Party MP Andrew Wallace, who voted against the bill despite his party’s position, said the five-year period was too long. He said he had proposed a two-year transition period so that sports leagues and clubs could find alternative sponsors.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said that one unnamed sports club has a contract for a logo on its uniform until 2031. She said the government hopes such agreements will be ended early, but described this as a commercial decision for the clubs themselves.
Club contracts
Seven National Rugby League clubs have logos of betting or lottery companies on their uniforms, and several contracts will remain in effect at least until the end of the 2028 season. Penrith Panthers has an agreement with Picklebet at least until the end of the 2027 season, while Newcastle Knights’ contract with Palmerbet is reportedly set to run until the end of 2028.
Brisbane Broncos has an agreement with The Star casino until the end of next season. Sydney Roosters extended its long-standing agreement with UniBet in July last year; the company’s logo is also displayed on the club’s women’s team uniform. At the same time, Gold Coast Titans’ agreement with The Lottery Office is not covered by the new restrictions due to an exemption for domestic lotteries.
Gambling harm expert Samantha Thomas criticized the lack of urgency in protecting children from gambling advertising. Alliance for Gambling Reform representative Martin Thomas also said the transitional provisions demonstrate the limited effect of the compromise reform.
