Alcohol and gambling ads 'deeply embedded' in NRL and AFL, report finds

Australia's two premier football codes, the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Australian Football League (AFL), are deeply intertwined with alcohol and gambling industries, according to a new report by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE).

Every NRL and AFL club has secured an alcohol sponsor for the current season. Furthermore, nearly all NRL clubs and a majority of AFL clubs have partnered with gambling companies. These sponsorships translate into substantial financial gains, with deals with sports betting firms reportedly generating $50 million annually for the NRL and $30 to $40 million for the AFL. Major betting company SportsBet alone contributes approximately $10 million to the NRL and $8 to $10 million to the AFL each year.

The FARE report, titled "State of Play," highlights that gambling branding appears on seven NRL club jerseys this season, an increase from the previous year. Betting advertisements are also prevalent in match-day promotions and digital channels across numerous clubs. While no AFL jerseys feature gambling sponsors this season, four clubs utilize digital gambling advertising, and four display betting ads at stadiums.

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these sponsorships were 'deeply embedded across every level' of Australia's two largest sporting codes.

Alcohol advertising is also widespread, with every AFL club advertising alcohol brands at stadiums and through digital channels. Five NRL clubs display alcohol logos on their jerseys, and most clubs feature alcohol ads in stadiums and on digital platforms. The report also notes the increasing presence of alcohol and betting ads in the women's competitions, with nine AFLW teams and four NRLW teams having alcohol sponsorships, and three AFLW and seven NRLW clubs featuring gambling sponsors.

This pervasive advertising comes as the Labor government's proposed crackdown on gambling advertising faces significant political debate. The plan includes limiting gambling ads on TV and radio during specific hours, banning logos on player jerseys and stadium promotions, and reviewing exemptions for alcohol ads during sporting matches. While some advocate for stronger reforms, the proposals have drawn criticism from the Coalition, Greens, and some within Labor's own party.

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alcohol ads 'saturate every part' of the sports