AFL boss sticks by ‘harsh’ betting ban

AFL boss sticks by ‘harsh’ betting ban

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan says the league doesn’t consider in “prohibition” in terms of playing regardless of a brand new edict banning employees from getting into tipping competitions or putting social bets on video games.

The league chief mentioned they have been higher off being “too harsh” than opening themselves as much as the scrutiny that got here when an umpire was investigated by police for his involvement in Brownlow Medal betting final 12 months.

But whereas McLachlan was comfortable to impose the straight guidelines on AFL employees, regardless of the league raking in thousands and thousands in agreements with sports activities betting firms, he mentioned the trade had its place.

“Our position, my position, is that we think we should be constantly reviewing our exposure and how we interface with different brands, and wagering is no different,” he mentioned on 3AW on Friday.

“But we don‘t believe in prohibition, so it’s about what the right balance is.

“We’re participating in a government inquiry on that, talking to our wagering providers.”

AFL 2022 Round 01 - Hawthorn v North Melbourne
Camera IconFormer AFL umpire Michael Pell was questioned by police over Brownlow betting. Dylan Burns/AFL Photos Credit: Supplied

McLachlan mentioned the transfer to restrict what AFL workers may do round tipping and betting was a part of a “reset” on wagering.

“Whether it’s too heavy handed or not, the integrity of our game is critical and we’re just continuing to make decisions in that lens,” McLachlan mentioned on Friday.

“The integrity guys are making those decisions and in the end you‘re better off being too harsh than getting yourself in trouble for people who actually have access to information above the ordinary person.

“In the area of tipping, betting, wagering, there’s been a reset and a wide across-the-board discussion with staff about even the perception of tipping.”

While he welcomed the transfer, former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett accused the AFL of getting a “half pregnant” coverage given a lot betting promoting was a part of the TV protection.

“Excellent move by the AFL to ban staff from betting on the outcome of games, a bit severe from comps that involve no exchange of money,” Kennett posted on Twitter.

“What about the education of thousands of children every week, game, show through sports betting? Half pregnant policy children should be priority.”

Source: www.perthnow.com.au