TLDR Australia’s ban on gambling logos on sports jerseys allows some existing sponsorships to run until December 31, 2031. Independent senator David Pocock and other lawmakers criticized the long transition window. Several NRL clubs currently hold jersey sponsorships with betting or lottery brands that extend past 2027. Domestic lottery operators are exempt from the new restrictions under a carveout in the law. The final December 2031 deadline was not part of the draft bill released in May and only appeared once the legislation was introduced to Parliament.
Australia’s government has introduced a law banning gambling logos on professional sports jerseys. The law includes a transition period that lets some existing sponsorship deals continue for up to five years.
Under the legislation, gambling branding on jerseys could stay in place until December 31, 2031. This gives sporting clubs time to phase out current contracts instead of ending them right away.
The Albanese government included the ban as part of a broader plan to reform gambling advertising. The main goal is to reduce how much children are exposed to betting ads during sports broadcasts.
Lawmakers Push Back on Timeline
Independent senator David Pocock said the five-year window was too long. He pointed out that some betting sponsorships could still be active by the time the law reaches its three-year review.
Pocock said sporting clubs should end their gambling partnerships voluntarily instead of waiting out the full transition period.
Liberal Party member Andrew Wallace also criticized the length of the transition. Wallace had originally backed a shorter two-year deadline but changed his vote on the final bill.
Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the five-year period. She said it was designed to balance the government’s advertising goals with commercial contracts already in place.
Wells noted that at least one sporting club