Entain, the owner of Ladbrokes and Neds, has said that its brands will no longer appear on the jerseys following growing backlash around gambling sponsorship of sports teams.
Entain previously sponsored a range of NRL, AFL, and A-League teams, as well as some UFC sponsorships.
“While we have had many great partners in this space over a long period of time, we understand some of the community sentiment around this and feel it is the right time to step away from this area,” Entain said.
Entain also said that ending the sponsorship deals was part of a bigger reduction in the group’s sports sponsorships.
Ladbrokes ended its longstanding $7.5 million Brisbane Broncos sponsorship in July after the Queensland government increased the point of consumption tax to include free and bonus bets, as well as a new 5% racing levy.
Neds had been the official gambling partner of the A-Leagues and UFC Australia. It also sponsors the Brisbane Lions despite no longer appearing on the team’s jersey.
