In a groundbreaking move, the Illawarra Hawks, Sydney Kings, and Sydney Flames have united as the latest participants in the "Reclaim the Game" program initiated by the New South Wales (NSW) Government. This pioneering initiative seeks to provide National Basketball League (NBL) and Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) enthusiasts with a sports-watching experience free from the intrusive presence of gambling advertisements.
Natalie Wright, the Policy and Programs A/Executive Director of Liquor & Gaming NSW, commended the Reclaim the Game partnerships for their efforts in allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in the game without the constant distraction of sports betting promotions. Wright emphasized the importance of challenging the normalization of sports betting and advertising in the realm of sports.
This joint commitment by all NBL teams in New South Wales is primarily aimed at reaching out to younger fans through the Reclaim the Game program. As part of this initiative, the Illawarra Hawks, Sydney Kings, and Sydney Flames have pledged to turn away sports betting sponsorships and strive to diminish the prevalence of betting advertising within the NBL and WNBL over the next two seasons.
A survey conducted by Reclaim the Game disclosed that a significant majority of Kings supporters (86%) and Flames fans (93%) are deeply concerned about the overwhelming presence of gambling advertising.
Sam Attrill, General Manager of the Illawarra Hawks, expressed his optimism regarding the partnership's potential to educate the community about the risks associated with sports betting and gambling.
Paul Smith, Chairman of the Sydney Kings and Sydney Flames, reiterated the clubs' unwavering commitment to promoting responsible behavior in the context of gambling. Smith emphasized, "It is our fundamental duty to support the well-being of players, the community, and the integrity of sports."
The Reclaim the Game program, spearheaded by the NSW Government, has collaborated with 10 partners encompassing 16 teams across five sporting codes, including the AFL, NRL, A-League, and cricket.