It's Now Prohibited for AFL Employees to Wager a Pint of Beer
The Australian Football Federation (AFF) is altering the guidelines regarding staff gambling. Schemes like work office betting pools or bets for a drink, such as a drink of beer, are a thing of the past.
The AFF conveyed to Australian media outlets on Friday that it's prohibiting certain staff members from taking part in any betting actions related to the league. Officials in the AFF's football division and umpires are forbidden from betting. This includes betting on survivor pools, also known as tipping competitions, and virtually anything else.
These changes aim to improve integrity and public image, as stated by the organization. AFF chief Gillon McLachlan told a local radio station that the new policy is a “reset” in how the league views gambling. The updated rules expand the prohibition on employees gambling on league games.
McLachlan is stepping down in the coming month and may not fully support the change. He told the radio station that gambling pools are relatively harmless but that the decision was out of his hands.
What's Prohibited
These AFF staff members are now forbidden from saying to a coworker, "I'll bet you a pint Dustin Martin scores." They also won't be able to participate in AFF fantasy games.
Workplace and neighborhood betting pools are popular worldwide and generally remain hidden. Normally, participants contribute a certain amount to the pot and then select their choices each week of the season, whether it be for the NFL, AFL, or NBA. At the end of the season, the person with the correct choices takes the pot.
It's uncertain what the AFF plans to do with its tipping contest. It has an entire website, Tipping.afl.com.au, dedicated to pools. It allows users with an AFF ID to create their competitions, and it runs an official competition with a prize pool of up to AU$40,000 (US$26,772).
Brownlow Controversy
Last November, a betting scandal shook the AFL and its Brownlow Medal when police apprehended four individuals, including an AFL ump, for distributing voting data to potential bettors. They could face up to 10 years in prison for their actions.
This incident further fuelled an already delicate attitude towards gambling in general. The industry has been facing an ongoing crackdown as gambling opponents seek to expel the activity from the country. Tighter regulations are on the horizon for the casino sector. The sports betting sector faces numerous changes, including less advertising and sponsorships.
Jeff Kennett, former president of the AFL's Hawthorn Football Club, praised the league's new policy. He called it an "excellent move," but warned that the AFL might be overstepping its bounds simultaneously.
In the meantime, AFF staff members will have to find new ways to get free drinks at the pub.
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