Australian Sportsbook Tries to Skirt Gambling Law with AFL Offering

In a sponsorship deal with an online sportsbook, the Australian Football League and National Rugby League may be facing hefty fines – if Australian law is found to go against the unique service offered by the bookmaker. 

Live or in-game betting is currently illegal under Australian gambling laws: The Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 (IGA) allows for in-game betting from a telephone betting service but not from an online sportsbook in Australia, with fines of AU $220,000 (US $195,000) per day assessed on those found guilty of providing such a service. 

However, Betezy thinks it has found an end around the law, as what it offers is in-game betting, but not of the sort for which the IGA was designed: The website only allows betting during stoppages in play. In other words, play is never running when bets are being taken. 

It seems that some are worried about the legality of the service, however, and need a little confidence booster. AFL legal affairs general manager Andrew Dillon told Australian media that “While we are not the enforcer of the Interactive Gambling Act, we will seek an explanation from” management of the website. 

The AFL receives 5% of the website’s net profit on Australian Football betting, and Betezy also sponsors some seven of the AFL’s clubs.