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- Ian Roberts says advertisements for gambling and booze need to stop
- Cigarette advertisements already abolished by the NRL
- ”You can’t watch footy without it feeling like one big commercial for online gambling
- Social media and smart phones have helped contribute to the change in culture, Roberts claims
The first openly gay NRL player, Ian Roberts, says that the rugby league’s close ties to gambling and drinking is upsetting and unacceptable.
'I'm not happy with the way sporting bodies are so embracing of the gambling culture,' the 50-year-old Roberts stated.
“(The) League got rid of cigarette advertising — they need to get rid of gambling and alcohol. It's ridiculous. You can't watch footy without it feeling like one big commercial for online gambling. This isn't the way kids should be watching football.'
Roberts says the sport has changed drastically since he retired in the 90’s.
Social media is a large contributor to that, he said.
“When I retired in 1997, there was nothing like camera phones or instant online media. It's a different world, but it's the world they live in and it highlights the need to step up.'
Roberts moved to Hollywood and has acted in films and TV shows like Superman Returns, Little Fish, The Cut and Underbelly since leaving the NRL.
His acting career has slowed down a bit in recent years, however.
“Over the past 10 years, I spent about seven of those in Los Angeles. I’ve been back in Sydney for almost two years … I’d like to explore more acting work while I’m here.”
“It’s not that acting ever went by the wayside, it’s just I didn’t have much time to do it,” he said.
- Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com
