Novelty betting has become a very popular activity, allowing punters to wager on events besides sports and racing. While it is seeing a largely harmless, major medal betting has attracted some controversy recently, after one punter won nearly $3000 after betting on Lewis Taylor to win the Rising Star Award. In 2014, Taylor won the AFL’s Rising Star award for his performance in the previous season.
He proved himself to be a standout player in the league – but his win has been overshadowed by a betting scandal. Former football player David King placed two wagers on Taylor to win the award, resulting in him earning a generous $2,975 payout. Officials believe that he used insider information when placing his bets, and they are now investigating the situation.
They are also investigating a former television producer who was involved with the Rising Star Awards, as he may have provided King with information about the winner. David King denies the allegations. He states that he did not use any insider information when placing his wager that Taylor would be granted the Rising Star award. The AFL has also responded to the situation.
AFL Football Operations Manager Mark Evans has stated that the league will reconsider its stance on major medal betting. When it comes to novelty betting, there is certainly more room for insider betting and manipulation – so, the AFL may issue a ban on this type of wagering “Fair to say we will review, or we are reviewing our procedures around the Rising Star and other awards,”
Evans says. “We will make sure we have got those (new measures) in place before this year’s awards take place.”
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