Over the course of the past few years, concerns have been raised about the effect of gambling on the integrity of sports leagues across Australia. It is feared that the proliferation of betting on sports will lead to match-fixing that will ultimately compromise the integrity of the game – and the NRL is taking a stand.
A new legislation will help to protect the integrity of rugby by requiring bookmakers to enter into an ‘integrity agreement’ with the National Rugby League before being permitted to take wagers on matches. Bookmakers that sign the agreement not only gain approval to offering betting on rugby games; they also show their commitment to responsible and safe gambling practices.
The integrity agreement also provides the NRL with crucial information that only the betting provider has access to. As such, the NRL is able to investigate any claims that a punter may be engaging in illegal activities. The league can then act on their findings and punish individuals that are found guilty, helping to deter other punters or professionals from taking part in match-fixing.
Another important feature of the integrity agreement will see the NRL working with bookmakers to determine the most suitable types of bets. Some wagers lend themselves to fraud and match-fixing, and cutting down on these types of bets will further help protect the integrity of sport. "There is nothing more important than the integrity of the game," says Nick Weeks, the NRL’s General Manager of Integrity.
“We will work with the various betting agencies on the types of bets which are suitable for Rugby League”. Several local bookmakers have already signed the Integrity Agreement. These companies include: AcTab, Betfair, Flemington Sports Bet, Luxbet, Player Tab, Sportsbet.com.au, Tab.com.au, Tatts Bet, Tom Waterhouse, Top Betta and The Tote.
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