Gillon McLachlan, who heads the Australian Football League (AFL), has spoken in support of the partnership between the league and the gambling operator BetEasy. Mr McLachlan defended the agreement, explaining that the League had to find a balance between its social responsibilities and the financial requirements that kept the football game affordable.
Last summer, a five-year agreement was signed between the AFL and BetEasy, with the agreement being subject to revised conditions. The AFL boss, however, did not agree that it was valid to find a connection between the partnership deal and the suspension of Magpie Jaidyn Stephenson from the game because of placing bets on matches of Collingwood in 2019.
At the time this happened, some anti-gambling campaigners have reproached the AFL for being hypocritical over the stricter regulation for players, while the Football League itself has been taking money from betting companies in return for advertising their services.
Mr McLachan, however, has not agreed to the charges and explained that the League had taken what he described as “a holistic” approach towards gambling. He further noted that the AFL initiated some changes, including a 20% reduction of gambling signage at Marvel Stadium and the MCG. He also reminded that no live odds were offered during live broadcasts or during quarter breaks at football games. Mr McLachan shared that partnerships with legal gambling operators would allow the league to grow and make further investments in the game and at the same time manage the social expectations for its supporters.
AFL Boss Says the League’s Gambling Code Is Transparent
The AFL boss rejected the accusation of the League’s hypocrisy for taking a stricter approach on Stephenson who got banned from the game for 10 matches in 2019, plus 12 weeks of a suspended sentence, and continued to accept money from betting operators.
The League’s boss explained that players could not be better educated about betting on games that they take part in. He further noted that the gambling code of conduct is well known and fully transparent.
In an interview with a local media, Mr McLachlan also explained that no deadline had been set for his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the AFL. He also added that he was very excited about 2020. As far as the broadcast rights deal, Mr McLachlan said he would not discuss the next steps of the AFL when it comes to the broadcast rights deal. He also denied making a comment on whether it was practical for tech giants from the US to be broadcasters.
The AFL boss further revealed that the Australian Football League would take into consideration holding Marsh series pre-season games in 2021 in towns that have been affected by massive fires. He said that, for the time being, there was a really strong possibility for the League to make that happen.
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Daniel Williams
