CEO of Domestic Violence NSW Delia Donovan said a single night of increased calls could translate into months of stretched capacity for frontline domestic and family violence services, which already have two-month waitlists.

“Spikes in demand only compound the pressure on providers who are already severely under-resourced,” she said.

In NSW, the government has partnered with state sporting clubs to launch the Reclaim the Game initiative, including the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, South Sydney Rabbitohs, the Sydney Swans and the Giants Netball.

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Participating clubs pledged to turn down sports betting sponsorship and eliminate advertising at home games, as well as educate fans, players and staff about gambling harm.

In 2023, an inquiry into gambling harm chaired by the late Peta Murphy MP recommended a national ban on all online gambling advertising and sponsorship within three years. This recommendation was rejected, with a federal plan instead aiming to cap the number of ads on TV and impose a total ban on ads during and around sports broadcasts.

Gambling ads are not permitted during play, and promotion of odds is banned during breaks in play.

Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO Martin Thomas said the delay in a federal ban on ads meant gambling companies had extra time to target young people through sport and social media feeds.

A 2025 study by the Australian Institute found that almost one in three 12- to 17-year-olds gambled, teens losing an estimated $231 million per year.

“They are grooming a whole new generation of gamblers, and they’ve had two years longer to do it because of government inaction,” Thomas said.

CEO of Say No to Violence Phillip Ripper said the use of gambling, alcohol and violence was a choice.

“These times of year are an important opportunity for men to take stock of their life choices, reflect on their own behaviour, take responsibility and seek help to address their use of violence,” he said.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491. For crisis support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au. For alcohol and drug support call 1800 250 015 │ counsellingonline.org.au. For gambling support, call 1800 858 858.

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