Alliance for Gambling Reform slam AFL for “chronic gambling problem”
The Alliance for Gambling Reform has intensified its criticism of the AFL’s relationship with betting companies following Luke Hodge’s resignation from the All-Australian selection panel over ties to a major bookmaker.
Alliance chief advocate Tim Costello said the latest development highlighted what he described as the AFL’s “chronic gambling problem”, claiming the code faced mounting integrity concerns and growing backlash from supporters over the saturation of betting advertising.
“This is just another chapter in a litany of the code’s conflict of interests with gambling companies,” Costello said.
The comments come amid broader scrutiny of gambling links within the AFL industry, including recent reports involving umpires, media identities and club officials with bookmaker connections.
Alliance advocate Mark Kempster pointed specifically to the Gold Coast Suns’ employment of OkeBet, an Australian betting site, cofounder Mark Opie as team manager, arguing the role provided access to sensitive football information and represented a major integrity concern.
While the links between Opie and OkeBet had been openly discussed months ago in online forums, it reached the mainstream this week, when progressive publication Crikey picked the story up.
“In the last two months we have been made aware by different media reports of AFL Umpires working for the gambling industry, and AFL media identities who have voted on the Norm Smith medal also being employed by the gambling industry,” he said.
“Even more concerning, the Gold Coast Suns currently employs a licensed bookmaker as their Team Manager, who would have access to extremely sensitive information about the internal workings of the football club. He has the ability to travel with the team, create connection with players and work on the ground during AFL games.
The Alliance also referenced recent AFL fan survey data claiming more than 75 per cent of supporters want gambling advertising removed from the game. This survey is widely mocked by advocates of sports betting, who say it has clearly been manipulated to fit their narrative.
Costello said the league had become “intrinsically linked” to the gambling industry and questioned whether gambling revenue was worth the social harm associated with increased betting exposure.
“It is time for the league to draw a line in the sand with its relationship with the gambling industry,” he said.
The AFL has faced growing pressure in recent years over gambling advertising during broadcasts, stadium sponsorships and the expanding role of bookmakers within Australian sport.
Hodge quit the All Australian selection role because of his role with the TAB, which followed Kane Cornes decision to stand down from his AFL roles because of his Sportsbet association.
