Interesting lead item on Channel 9 news tonight that the AFL have signed an agreement with Betfair.

AFL signs deals with Betfair and TAB
Wednesday Oct 26 18:37 AEST

The AFL will receive licensing fees from British betting exchange Betfair and TAB Sportsbet after signing deals with the two agencies.

The AFL will gain full control over the use of its intellectual property, and the types of betting products offered.

"Before these agreements, the AFL had limited control over the conduct, and processes relating to betting on the AFL game, and received very little revenue from what is a significant part of the sports betting market," said the AFL's commercial operations general manager Gillon McLachlan.

"These agreements are significant in that they allow the AFL to control the types of betting on our game, and also allow us to monitor any betting trends, and unusual patterns of betting, as well as providing the AFL with a significant revenue stream."

Betfair is currently attempting to obtain a licence to operate in Australia, with the Tasmanian government expected to make a decision within the next 10 days.

But the partnership with the AFL is not contingent on Betfair obtaining the Australian licence.

AFL rules forbid players and club officials betting on matches.

What a surprise that channel 9 was positive about the arrangement .. and how good of James Packer to make himself available for an interview........ considering that the Packers will own 50% of betfair if they are licensed and they own channel 9 as well.