NSW Swifts and Giants Netball refuse sports betting sponsorship

The NSW Government’s 'Reclaim the Game' initiative has been adopted by NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball as the latest teams, and first for netball in NSW, to let their extensive fan base enjoy the sport free from sports betting advertising.

Under the initiative, both clubs have pledged to turn down sports betting sponsorship for the next two years, as well as commit to educating their fans, players and staff about gambling harm in the community through messaging at their games and on their social media.

The new partnerships broaden Reclaim the Game to a brand new fan base, and brings the total partners to 13 across 18 teams in six codes, including netball, AFL, A-League, cricket, NBL and NRL.

Since its launch in 2020, the initiative has reached millions of sports fans through more than 260 games, both on TV and in stadiums.

Netball NSW Chief Executive Tracey Scott advised “On behalf of Netball NSW, I am delighted to welcome Reclaim the Game to our family across the NSW Swifts and the GIANTS Netball.

“Alongside some of NSW’s other cherished sporting teams and codes, we are proud to join Reclaim the Game which looks to reconnect fans with their love of the games they follow.

“As the most popular community sport in the state, and the leading elite female code, we are committed to playing a role in educating our fans, participants and the broader community about the risks associated with gambling and the harm it can cause.

“The joy of our game is its theatre, especially at Super Netball level when the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball go head-to-head with the world’s best, and we always look to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone to immerse themselves into the excitement of our game.”

NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris noted “It is fantastic to see more NSW teams join Reclaim the Game and raise community awareness of harms linked to sports betting and gambling. These partnerships are a strong reminder that you don't need to have a bet to show support for your team.

“Netball ranks among Australia's top sports, boasting more than 1.2 million players nationwide and is also the top choice for female athletes.

“The new partnerships with netball come at the perfect time as community interest in women’s sport soars with record nationwide participation in the sport and the Diamonds reclaiming the World Cup in South Africa.

“Elite players are role models for young athletes and fans. The Reclaim the Game partnerships with NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball will engage a vast young fan base, ensuring they are protected from betting ads and can develop positive associations with sport.

Find out more about Reclaim the Game 

For gambling support call GambleAware on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential help 24/7.

Since Reclaim the Game’s launch in 2020, 18 teams from six codes have joined the program:

Rugby League:

• Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

• South Sydney Rabbitohs

Basketball:

• Illawarra Hawks

• Sydney Kings

• Sydney Flames

Football (Soccer):

• Macarthur FC

• Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League)

• Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League women's)

Cricket:

• Sydney Sixers (BBL)

• Sydney Sixers (WBBL)

• Sydney Thunder (BBL)

• Sydney Thunder (WBBL)

• NSW Blues

• NSW Breakers

Australian Football League (AFL):

• Sydney Swans (AFL)

• Sydney Swans (AFLW)

Netball:

• NSW Swifts

• GIANTS Netball

Image from left: Jo Harten and Jamie-Lee Price (GIANTS Netball), Netball NSW CEO Tracey Scott, Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris, Maddy Proud and Maddy Turner (NSW Swifts