Earlier this week, authorities launched an investigation into major medal betting in the AFL. In light of this investigation, the league’s suitability as a Sports Controlling Body has been called into question. The situation was brought to light when a former football player named David King won nearly $3000 by betting on Lewis Taylor to win the 2014 Rising Star Award.
His successful wager was the subject of much scrutiny, as authorities are concerned that King used insider information in order to win the bet. The Victorian Commission for Gaming and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) determined that betting on major medals does not breach the Gambling Regulation Act 2003. However, Matt Sheens of the VCGLR has noted that it does raise some red flags.
According to a report in The Age, he says: “It did highlight an area of regulatory concern for the Commission. As a result of this, the Commission will be conducting further enquiries into the AFL's ongoing suitability as a Sports Controlling Body". As a sports controlling body, the AFL is allowed to enter into an agreement with bookmakers for betting services to be provided on certain sporting events.
The two parties must share information in order to ensure the integrity of the sport. Other sports controlling bodies in Australia include: Cricket Australia, Netball Australia, National Rugby League and Football Federation Australia Limited. The league’s suitability has come into question because the AFL’s policy may not be particularly responsible.
The AFL may need to revise it in order to exclude major medal betting from its Gaming Policy, as the activity is more vulnerable to manipulation than other forms of sportsbetting. Currently, the AFL is conducting a review of its integrity processes and policies. It is hoped that the necessary changes will be made in order to ensure that the AFL can maintain its status as a sports controlling body.
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