NRL referee Ashley Klein, a State of Origin official, confirms he has battled a gambling problem following reporting that he lost about $400,000 betting on horse racing. Multiple outlets report that the issue was known to the NRL, and that Klein continued to referee in the code’s biggest matches. One report characterizes his situation as a “difficult period,” with Klein acknowledging the addiction and describing his experience. Separate reporting says Klein has been undertaking professional development with Racing NSW, including attending a stewards inquiry while also “training” with the racing body. The coverage also notes that despite the size of the losses and the gambling concern, Klein is permitted to remain officiating at the highest level in NRL competitions. Taken together, the articles describe Klein’s confirmation of a gambling problem, the reported scale of the losses, and ongoing involvement in professional development activities linked to Racing NSW alongside his role as an NRL referee.