A NEW Zealand law that bans the promotion of offshore gambling outlets has forced St Kilda to black out the name of a major sponsor from its uniform.

The Saints are partners with Australian gambling agency Centrebet and New Zealand law states that a person or institution promoting offshore gambling faces a fine of $10,000.

Saints keen to keep New Zealand fixture


The Saints and the Sydney Swans are in Wellington ahead of Thursday night's clash at Westpac Stadium.

St Kilda general manager of commercial operations Shane Wakelin told AFL.com.au the Saints appreciated the law and had made measures to cover up the logos on the travelling party's uniforms.

"We've acknowledged it, it's a legal obligation we have and the ramifications are significant if we have any branding exposure," Wakelin said.

"The Sydney Rabbitohs play here once a year and so do Manly, who are sponsored Centrebet and the Rabbitohs by Star Casino.

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"They have worked through the same challenges we do.

"It's just fortunate we have another sponsor to come on board."

Presidian, a finance and an insurance company, has stepped in as the replacement.

The Saints had to ensure the Centrebet logo, which is branded on the chest of their hooded jumpers and also on the thigh of their tracksuit pants, were covered before they got off the plane on Tuesday.

Wakelin said it had been made clear to the club the individual was responsible to ensure the law was adhered to.

Jennifer Phelan is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenPhelan.