The Rugby Football League (RFL) has launched its ‘Gambling Code of Conduct for Sport Sponsorship,’ in alignment with the broader initiative established by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) in response to the UK Government’s 2023 Gambling White Paper. This new code aims to promote responsible gambling practices within the Rugby League and elevate the standards of gambling sponsorship.

Rugby Football League Unveils ‘Gambling Code of Conduct for Sport Sponsorship’ to Enhance Responsible Gambling Practices

Key Principles of the Gambling Code

The code outlines four fundamental principles to guide gambling sponsorship: protection, social responsibility, reinvestment, and integrity. These principles are designed to safeguard children and young people, promote social responsibility, maintain sporting integrity, and ensure that commercial income from sponsorships is reinvested into the sport and community initiatives.

Commitment to Safer Gambling and Sporting Integrity

Robert Hicks, RFL’s Director of Operations & Legal, highlighted the advantages of the new measures, stating: “These new measures benefit the sport, the gambling industry, and the fans. Rugby League and our long-standing partner Betfred have collaborated for years to ensure that sponsorship funds are reinvested back into the sport at all levels. This was further demonstrated when Betfred supported the acquisition of a specialized wheelchair rugby league pitch. We are both dedicated to upholding sporting integrity and promoting safer gambling, and this Code embodies that commitment to continue enhancing standards.”

Code Provisions and Public Access

The code addresses several crucial aspects of gambling sponsorship, including restrictions to prevent engagement with individuals under 18 and those at risk of gambling-related harm. It mandates the inclusion of educational and awareness messages in marketing activities and ensures that sponsorships do not compromise competition integrity or participant welfare. The full code is available online for public review, fostering transparency and accountability.

Conclusion: The New Code

The introduction of the ‘Gambling Code of Conduct for Sport Sponsorship’ by the Rugby Football League represents a significant step towards promoting responsible gambling practices and maintaining high standards in sports sponsorship. By aligning with broader industry initiatives and ensuring that sponsorship funds benefit the sport and its community, the RFL demonstrates a strong commitment to both sporting integrity and safer gambling.

FAQs About the Gambling Code of Conduct for Sport Sponsorship by the Rugby Football League

1. What is the ‘Gambling Code of Conduct for Sport Sponsorship’ introduced by the Rugby Football League?

The ‘Gambling Code of Conduct for Sport Sponsorship’ is a new framework launched by the Rugby Football League (RFL) to promote responsible gambling practices within the sport and enhance the standards of gambling sponsorship. It aligns with broader initiatives from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) in response to the UK Government’s 2023 Gambling White Paper.

2. What are the key principles outlined in the Gambling Code?

The code is based on four key principles: protection, social responsibility, reinvestment, and integrity. These principles aim to safeguard children and young people, promote social responsibility, uphold sporting integrity, and ensure that sponsorship income is reinvested into the sport and community programs.

3. How does the code address gambling sponsorship’s impact on individuals under 18 and those at risk of gambling-related harm?

The code includes provisions to limit the reach of gambling sponsorship to individuals under 18 and those who are at risk of gambling-related harm. It mandates the inclusion of educational and awareness messages in marketing activities to mitigate potential negative impacts.

4. What is the role of sponsorship funds according to the new code?

According to the code, commercial income from sponsorships must be reinvested into the sport and community programs, ensuring that the funds benefit the sport at all levels and support various initiatives, including specialized projects such as the wheelchair rugby league pitch.

5. How does the code ensure that gambling sponsorships do not undermine competition integrity or participant welfare?

The code includes provisions to ensure that sponsorships do not compromise the integrity of competition or the welfare of participants. It sets standards to maintain fair play and protect the well-being of those involved in the sport.

6. Where can the full Gambling Code of Conduct be accessed?

The full Gambling Code of Conduct is available online for public access, promoting transparency and accountability in its implementation and adherence.