NSW Government: Play your part this GambleAware Week

Running from today, 20 October to 26 October, this year’s campaign is also focussing on promoting the range of free and confidential support available to those struggling with gambling harm.

In addition, the NSW Government is continuing its campaign to reduce the amount of sports betting advertising with its Reclaim the Game initiative, delivered in partnership with 19 NSW sporting clubs from six codes: the A-League, AFL, Cricket, the National Basketball League, Netball and the National Rugby League.

This includes the Sydney Kings and the Illawarra Hawks men’s basketball teams along with the Sydney Flames women’s basketball team. All three teams have just signed up for a further two seasons.

Sports betting is most common among young people aged 18-24 years. A 2024 NSW Gambling Survey found sports and race betting responsible for 16.5% of gambling harm.

Reclaim the Game aims to counteract the saturation of sports betting advertising and help people understand their choices and decisions about gambling, encouraging them to take action to prevent and reduce gambling harm by seeking support when they need it.

In 2025-26, the NSW Government has committed $20.7 million from the Responsible Gambling Fund for gambling support services, up from $19.19 million the previous year.

The government has implemented a suite of measures to reduce gambling harm, including:

• Committing $100 million to harm minimisation – investing in research, treatment, services and reform,
• Banning gambling advertising on public transport, and the terminals people catch it from,
• Banning all external gambling signage in licensed premises and introducing Responsible Gambling Officers for venues with more than 20 gaming machine entitlements, and
• Banning political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines.

Reclaim the Game is an initiative of the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, which also manages the statewide gambling support service GambleAware.

Information about GambleAware Week activities, Reclaim the Game, plus resources and support information are available at www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au

Call the 24-hour GambleAware Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support. In-language support is also available for those from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:  

“The NSW Government is committed to reducing gambling harm which not only impacts individuals, but also their loved ones and the broader community.

“I’m pleased to announce the NSW Government has extended the Reclaim the Game partnerships with the Sydney Kings, Sydney Flames and Illawarra Hawks. These partnerships have helped us spread this important message through reclaiming advertising space and enlisting clubs to engage with fans and the community on responsible gambling.

“Everyone has a role to play in keeping our communities safe, informed and supported. With gambling, there’s more to lose than money. You could be risking your family home, that dream holiday, your health or your relationships.

“This GambleAware Week, start a conversation with those who matter most about what gambling’s really costing. If you or someone you care about is struggling, support is available.”

Sydney Kings and Flames Chief Commercial Officer Amanda Farag said: “The Sydney Kings and Flames have been proud long-term partners of Reclaim the Game, and we are excited to renew this partnership. We wish basketball to remain a family-friendly environment, and we support the message of responsible gambling. We are proud of our ongoing commitment to this message”

Illawarra Hawks General Manager Commercial Aaron Anderson said: “The Illawarra Hawks are proud to continue our partnership with Reclaim the Game and stand alongside the Sydney Kings and Sydney Flames, in creating a safer, more positive sporting environment.

“By extending our partnership, we’re sending a clear message, basketball is about community, competition, and passion – not gambling. This initiative empowers fans to enjoy the game for what it truly is, while raising awareness about the support available through GambleAware.”