Victoria Considers Intervening in ALF’s Clash with Operators

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) could potentially intervene in an ongoing conflict between the Australian Football League and sports betting operators in the state. This could potentially lead to a limit on the league’s revenue from wagering.

The AFL Seeks a Higher Share

The Guardian reported that Victoria’s gambling regulator is mulling over an “unprecedented intervention” in the continued dispute. This comes as operators deemed an earlier AFL proposal “unsustainable.”

For context, the AFL previously sought an increase in the share it receives from each wager placed on an AFL match. In addition to that, the league put forward a proposal for a minimum AUD 20K annual fee for bookmakers and small operators who focus on racing.

The Guardian further noted that leaked documents suggested that the extra money would be used to address various integrity risks posed to the AFL by the wagering industry. These primarily include match-fixing and insider bets.

Operators slammed the AFL’s proposal as “unsustainable,” triggering the ongoing conflict. They further argued that it would have a disproportionate effect on smaller operators. An industry expert suggested that the AFL is seeking to procure extra money in order to “play catch-up to the NRL.”

The VGCCC Could Issue a Determination

The VGCCC is currently following the conflict and considering whether to intervene. If it does decide to take action, however, it would first need to make sure whether the AFL and local operators have engaged in genuine negotiations and whether a resolution would be possible without its involvement.

According to a VGCCC spokesperson, earlier applications received by the body did not meet the criteria for a determination. However, as the situation unfolds, this might change.

If the VGCCC intervenes and determines that the AFL’s product fee rates are truly unfair, it could potentially intervene, it could potentially introduce measures, such as a cap on the money the AFL can receive from the wagering industry.

Spokespeople for Australian operators told The Guardian that a determination could also impact future negotiations between the AFL and the betting sector.

The AFL has yet to address the matter.