Last week (See Page 37 of Gambling Matters) I discussed the issues the American NBA faces when debating its involvement or affilliation with gambling. However the question of whether to capture a slice of the growing gambling dollar is a question that is being faced by Victoria's two biggest sports - namely Australian Rules Football and cricket.
The Herald-Sun (Dec. 7, 2004) details how the AFL and Cricket Australia have confirmed that they are discussing potential involvement in various gambling operations.
Basically their reasoning for this seems to be that since others are making money out of betting on our sport we want our share too.
The AFL's general manager of commercial operations Gillon McLachlan has confirmed the approaches from the gambling industry, but said it was premature to provide detail.
"I don't think it's any secret that a number of industry participants have said they're going to approach various sporting bodies about a formal relationship," he said last night.
"We're one of those and, yes, I can confirm we have been approached by various parties. That's about as much as I'd like to say at this stage; we haven't briefed the clubs yet. Sports betting is a growth market worldwide and we think it's reasonable for our industry to receive its fair share of the revenue created by the game."
It should be noted that this is the opposite of most sports in the US where gambling on sports can be seen as jeopardising the integrity of the game. Also AFL clubs already benefit from gambling through owning or operating gaming venues, and the AFL benefits directly through its involvement in the Tipstar football tipping competition run through Tattersall's outlets. One club is even the recipient of government funds to educate young people about responsible gambling (whilst operating two gaming venues.)
It would seem that apart from benefiting substantially already from gambling they want more regardless of the impact this has on the community. The AFL seems to accept that gambling is a profitable part of their business and they should encourage it. There have already been cases where senior players have accumulated gambling debts but the AFL continues to present a paradoxical message to players and the public alike.
Cricket Australia have been analysing the gambling issue for some time due to the claims of fixed matches etc that have affected the sport in recent years. It is surprising then that they would consider direct involvement with gambling. This is especially true when some have claimed on Victorian radio that a game that Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland and Tabcorb Managing Director Matthew Slatter attended in December 2004 was fixed, suggesting that Australian bowler, Michael Kasprowicz’s 22 run over was no accident.
While it is doubtful that this match was actually fixed, its raises some of this issues that sports can face if they encourage gambling, let alone to potential consequences for gamblers who lose control gambing more than they can afford.
Many people are passionate about their favorite sports and teams. When gambling becomes involved, especially when it is sanctioned by the sports governing body, a dangerous cocktail which is excessively consumed can cause widespread damage to individuals, families and communities.
The AFL and Cricket Australia need to very carefully consider their involvement in gambling as it could damage not only their sports but their fans who they say are their lifeblood.
