The rise of sports betting means players are at greater risk of "ill-doing" than ever before and need to be better supported and educated, NSW Sports Minister Stuart Ayres says.
NSW Police are reportedly investigating cases of players passing on vital information to gamblers as well as spot-fixing, money laundering and illegal third-party payments across multiple teams as part of an inquiry into alleged NRL match fixing.
"We see betting in sport more than we've ever seen in the past (and) that means we've got to continue to support our athletes, continue to educate our athletes, to make sure they are not subject to any ill-doing," Mr Ayres said in Sydney on Thursday.
"I'll continue to support the NRL, and any other sport for that matter, in protecting integrity measures and, importantly, educating players about the risks involved in betting and wagering."
Fairfax Media reported on Wednesday the Manly Sea Eagles were one of a number of clubs under investigation for alleged top-up payments. The Sea Eagles deny they've made such payments.
"Everyone wants to know that the match they are watching is an even match and what they see on the scoreboard is based on the skill and capacity of the players," Mr Ayres said.
"We don't want players betting on their matches and we don't want players betting on their own performance."
