Controversy over mid-match bets

Betting on horses has always been vital to the racing industry both here in Australia and worldwide.  Recently commentators for more traditional sports, such as AFL and cricket have begun promoting odds in the middle of a match.  This is  considerably easier to do than it would be to promote odds mid horse race. However, the practice has provoked an outcry from anti-gambling groups.

Statistics show that around 3 in 4 Australians enjoy some form of gambling each year, and most do so sensibly.

Earlier in the year legitimate gambling company, Betfair, caused a stir when odds on a test match were cited mid-match.

Commentators are also regularly promoting Betfair odds mid-match in AFL games. Although a spokesperson  for the AFL said that they did not support any gambling business, there is a link to betting on their website.

In 2005 the AFL set up an agreement for a partnership with Betfair, whereby the league received a share of revenue taken during AFL matches.  Betfair received advertsing opportunities and brand recognition in return.

The AFL has not commented on how much money it earns from this arrangement, but the Australian government earns arond 10% of its tax revenue from taxes on gambling.

So, the controversy over the promotion of odds mid-match will no doubt rumble on.  Meanwhile, betting online seems to be becoming a more and more popular way for Australians to place a bet, or play online games.