One of the country’s most recognisable icons, a symbol of refinery, culture and architecture – the Sydney Opera House – has been the centre of a bidding battle.

Opinions for and against were rife when Racing NSW offered money to project a barrier draw on the sails of the heritage-listed Opera House.

Opera House chief Louise Herron rejected the offer but Premier Glady Berejiklian overruled her decision.

Radio announcer Alan Jones then called for Herron’s dismissal.

The sails were defaced with the barrier draw on Tuesday night with about 1000 people protesting in person and more protesting online.

There are many reasons why this form of advertising is problematic, the first being that it is a blatant promotion of gambling.

Gambling addiction is a massive blight on our society and the government does nothing to deter it by allowing a horse race to be promoted on one of the country’s icons.

The second issue is that it feels quite disrespectful to the Opera House.

Much time and money is spent on preserving the Opera House but this gesture makes it seem like it’s available to the highest bidder.

Tourists and residents should see it in its natural state, not plastered with projected images.

Then there is the issue of what was projected onto it – a promotion for a horse race, an event that appeals to a very small portion of the population.

Ironically, the Opera House was funded by a lottery but the intent of the building was always for the arts.

There is no correlation between horse racing and the Opera House, it’s just not a logical fit.

If we allow this type of event to be promoted on the Opera House, where do we draw the line?

What’s next?

Advertising on the side of the Harbour Bridge or Uluru?