Alliance for Gambling Reform slams “hypocritical” BetEasy AFL sponsorship deal
Australian gambling reform group calls for newly renewed deal to be cancelled over RG concerns
Australia’s Alliance for Gambling Reform (AFGR) has attacked the Australian Football League (AFL) for renewing its sponsorship agreement with The Stars Group brand BetEasy.
In a two-page letter to AFL president Gillon McLachlan, AFGR chief advocate Reverend Tim Costello said he was “utterly disappointed” and did not understand why the AFL would agree a sponsorship deal with a gambling firm.
“I simply cannot fathom why the AFL would stake its reputation on an industry designed to manipulate, addict and exploit people,” Costello said.
“Imagine if you accepted sponsorships from tobacco companies? The outcry would be heard from the MCG down to Kardinia Park,” Costello added.
The AFL renewed its $10m-a-year sponsorship deal with BetEasy earlier this month, with the new contract running until 2025.
Under the terms of the revised deal, BetEasy has committed to reducing the amount of betting adverts shown at the MCG and Marvel Stadium venues, as well as “greater collaboration” on responsible gambling at a national level.
Several AFL players, including Western Bulldogs captain Easton Wood, have recently said that they will potentially take a pay cut as part of efforts to reduce the reliance of the AFL on gambling.
Addressing the issue of the league’s reliance on money from gambling firms, Costello claimed the removal of the deal would not affect the AFL’s ability to protect players or matches from potential match-fixing.
Costello claimed that the AFL had the opportunity to “do the right thing” and not renew the deal, while asserting the “hypocrisy” of the league in promoting healthy lifestyles at the same time as promoting gambling.
“We know the value of being the AFL’s ‘Official Wagering Partner’. We know what BetEasy are really buying. They are buying access to the next generation.
“They are buying the AFL’s seal of approval. They are buying the values that the AFL so boldly stands behind. They are buying your endorsement. They are buying you off,” Costello claimed.
BetEasy did not comment on the letter when approached by EGR.
Sports betting firms currently sponsor several Australian leagues and associations, including bet365 which sponsors Cricket Australia, Football Federation Australia and Rugby Australia, as well as Flutter Entertainment’s Sportsbet brand which sponsors the National Rugby League.
The AFGR is a national advocacy organisation working in partnership with 60 different organisations to have gambling treated as a public health issue through legislative changes.
Picture Credit: iStock/Kolbz