In a first for netball in NSW, the Swifts and GIANTS Netball have joined the NSW Government’s Reclaim the Game initiative. The clubs are proud to take a stand on a community issue, by raising awareness about gambling harm through one of the country’s most popular participation sports.
Under the initiative, the Swifts and GIANTS Netball will turn down sports betting sponsorship for the next two years, and will educate fans, players and staff about gambling harm in the community through messaging at home games and on digital and social media.
Reclaim the Game works with a total of 13 partners across 18 teams in six codes, including netball, AFL, A-League, cricket, NBL and NRL.
Since its launch in 2020, the initiative has reached millions of sports fans through more than 260 games, both on TV and in stadiums.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
“It is fantastic to see more NSW teams join Reclaim the Game and raise community awareness of harms linked to sports betting and gambling. These partnerships are a strong reminder that you don't need to have a bet to show support for your team.
“Netball ranks among Australia's top sports, boasting more than 1.2 million players nationwide and is also the top choice for female athletes.
“The new partnerships with netball come at the perfect time as community interest in women’s sport soars with record nationwide participation in the sport and the Diamonds reclaiming the World Cup in South Africa.
“Elite players are role models for young athletes and fans. The Reclaim the Game partnerships with NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball will engage a vast young fan base, ensuring they are protected from betting ads and can develop positive associations with sport.
Netball NSW CEO Tracey Scott said:
“On behalf of Netball NSW, I am delighted to welcome Reclaim the Game to our family across the NSW Swifts and the GIANTS Netball.
“Alongside some of NSW’s other cherished sporting teams and codes, we are proud to join Reclaim the Game which looks to reconnect fans with their love of the games they follow.
“As the most popular community sport in the state, and the leading elite female code, we are committed to playing a role in educating our fans, participants and the broader community about the risks associated with gambling and the harm it can cause
“The joy of our game is its theatre, especially at Super Netball level when the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball go head-to-head with the world’s best, and we always look to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone to immerse themselves into the excitement of our game.”
Since Reclaim the Game’s launch in 2020, 18 teams from six codes have joined the program:
Rugby League:
1. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
2. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Basketball
3. Illawarra Hawks
4. Sydney Kings
5. Sydney Flames
Football (Soccer):
6. Macarthur FC
7. Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League)
8. Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League women's) Cricket:
9. Sydney Sixers (BBL)
10. Sydney Sixers (WBBL)
11. Sydney Thunder (BBL)
12. Sydney Thunder (WBBL)
13. NSW Blues
14. NSW Breakers
Australian Football League (AFL):
15. Sydney Swans (AFL)
16. Sydney Swans (AFLW)
Netball:
17. NSW Swifts
18. GIANTS Netball
For more information visit: www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/awareness-campaigns/reclaim the-game
If you or someone you care about needs support or advice, please call GambleAware on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential help and support 24/7.
