The NRL has moved to scale back the game’s reliance on gambling sponsorship by banning all betting logos and signage from its new women’s competition.

The league issued the directive in a policy document that was sent to all 16 clubs last month.

Obtained by 7 News, the document states: “The ARLC have chosen to exclude any above the line (visible) gambling sponsorship across the NRL Women’s Premiership.

“The ARLC is committed to reducing the amount of in playing venues and on team apparel game-wide.”

Rugby league has been perhaps the most heavily criticised sport when it comes to reliance of betting sponsorships.

The issue became a firestorm in 2013 when bookmaker Tom Waterhouse appeared as part of the Friday Night free-to-air commentary team. Penrith’s home ground has also been rebranded Centrebet Stadium at the time.

The NRL has moved to scale back the game’s reliance on gambling sponsorship by banning all betting logos and signage from its new women’s competition.