The Rugby Football League (RFL) has published its 'Gambling Code of Conduct for Sport Sponsorship,' aligning with a sport-wide initiative developed by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) in response to the UK Government's 2023 Gambling White Paper.
The code aims to ensure responsible gambling practices associated with the Rugby League, setting new standards for gambling sponsorship across four key principles: protection, social responsibility, reinvestment and integrity.
These principles focus on protecting children and young people, promoting social responsibility, maintaining sporting integrity and reinvesting commercial income into the sport and community programs.
Commenting on this, Robert Hicks, RFL's Director of Operations & Legal, stated: “These new measures are good for the sport, the gambling industry and the fans.
“Rugby League and our long-standing partner Betfred have worked closely for a number of years to ensure that any sponsorship funds are reinvested back into the sport at all levels. This was evidenced further when Betfred supported the purchase of a bespoke wheelchair rugby league pitch.
“We both remain committed to maintaining sporting integrity and safer gambling and this Code reflects that commitment to continue raising standards.”
The code addresses various aspects of gambling sponsorship, including limiting its reach to those under 18 and at risk of gambling-related harm, incorporating education and awareness messages in marketing activities, and ensuring that sponsorships do not compromise competitions or participant welfare.
The full code is available online for public access.
