Australia’s Gambling Jersey Ban Faces Criticism Over 2031 Deadline

The measure forms part of the Albanese government’s wider gambling reforms, designed to reduce the exposure of children and young people to betting advertising and weaken the close association between professional sport and gambling.

However, the lengthy transition period has attracted criticism from politicians and public health advocates who argue that another five years of betting logos undermines the purpose of the reforms.

Existing Gambling Sponsorships Can Continue Until 2031

Under the new legislation, licensed wagering companies will be prohibited from displaying gambling advertising on players’ and officials’ uniforms and at sporting venues.

However, arrangements entered into before the legislation was introduced can continue until their contracts expire or 31 December 2031.

The government says the transition gives sporting clubs time to secure alternative sponsors without suddenly losing important commercial revenue.

Communications Minister Anika Wells said the government hopes clubs will end wagering partnerships earlier where possible, although decisions surrounding existing commercial contracts remain with individual organisations.

Pocock Calls Transition Period “Absurd”

Independent Senator David Pocock has been among the strongest critics of the five-year transition.

He argues that allowing gambling companies to remain prominently displayed on sporting jerseys for several more years conflicts with the government's stated goal of breaking the connection between gambling and sport.

Pocock said:

We are in an absurd situation where by the time of the legislation’s three-year statutory review, jerseys may still have betting logos on them.

Pocock has called on sporting clubs to voluntarily end their wagering sponsorships at the earliest opportunity rather than waiting for the legal deadline.

Liberal MP Andrew Wallace has also criticised the timetable. Wallace had proposed a two-year transition period, arguing this would give clubs sufficient time to find alternative sponsors.

NRL Clubs Could Be Affected

The transition period is particularly relevant to the National Rugby League, where several clubs have gambling-related brands appearing on their jerseys.

Existing partnerships involve clubs including the Penrith Panthers, Newcastle Knights, Sydney Roosters, Brisbane Broncos, Dolphins and Wests Tigers, although a number of agreements are expected to expire before 2031.

Domestic lottery operators are treated differently under the reforms, meaning some lottery sponsorship arrangements may remain unaffected.

Part of Australia's Wider Gambling Advertising Crackdown

The jersey restrictions form part of a much broader overhaul of gambling advertising in Australia.

As previously reported in Australia Passes Tough New Gambling Advertising Restrictions, the reforms introduce controls covering television, radio, online advertising and promotions connected with sporting events.

The measures include restrictions on wagering advertising during live sport, limits on television gambling advertisements, tighter online advertising rules and restrictions on athletes, celebrities and influencers promoting wagering.

Most of the new advertising restrictions will begin on 1 January 2027.

Debate Over Gambling and Australian Sport Continues

The controversy highlights the challenge facing the government as it attempts to reduce gambling advertising while giving sporting organisations time to replace valuable sponsorship agreements.

The government argues the transition provides clubs with a practical route away from wagering sponsorships without immediately cancelling existing contracts.

Critics say the lengthy deadline risks continuing to normalise betting among younger sports fans.

While Australia's new restrictions begin in 2027, some gambling company logos could therefore remain visible on sporting jerseys until 31 December 2031.