RWA calls on operators to stand up to social media abuse

Australian gambling trade association Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) has called upon operators in the jurisdiction to remove any players engaging in the online abuse and harassment of athletes from their platforms.

In a statement today (19 August), RWA pledged to stamp out social media abuse within the world of gaming and sports betting, with the assistance of operators, regulatory bodies and player representatives.

The association also published its anti-social behaviour policy, which reasserts its commitment to sporting integrity and zero-tolerance approach to the online abuse and harassment of those in the industry.

It claims Australia Football League (AFL) and National Rugby League (NRL) players, as well as jockeys, have reported being abused on social media, leading Australia’s online sports betting operators to take firm steps to identify and block any customers perpetrating such abuse.

Brent Jackson, CEO of RWA said abusive behaviour will not be tolerated: “It is unacceptable that players have been the target of verbal abuse on social media by punters. Australia’s online wagering providers take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of harassment, bullying and abusive behaviour.”

“Where we can identify individuals using our betting platforms that engage in any form of aggression or threatening behaviour towards sporting identities, we will move to ban them from our platforms.

“Player safety and sporting integrity is a priority, and Responsible Wagering Australia is committed to working with Australia’s licensed sports wagering providers to address this issue with urgency,” he added.  “If you are responsible for acts of harassment online then we don’t want you on our platforms and you will be removed immediately”.