The extent to which gambling advertising has infiltrated sport has been well-documented in Crikey’s Punted series. It is inescapable.
Every week, Australians are bombarded via our televisions with betting tips from former players, while clubs sign deals with the same betting agencies that hire executives from the AFL.
The AFL’s deals with gambling companies are reported (by one of the media figures on this Crikey list, no less) to be worth between $30-$40 million in product fees alone, plus an additional $8 million in sponsorship and another $1-$3 million in signage.
It would therefore come as no surprise that there are a glut of media figures who are happily involved with betting companies, whether it be providing tips or producing content.
Crikey has compiled a non-exhaustive list of individuals connected to the AFL — from commentators to former players to investigative journalists — that involve themselves publicly with the betting industry. Some have made appearances in advertisements for betting agencies while working in football media, while others are signed as ambassadors, writing tips and featuring in content on social media.
When asked his thoughts on sports media figures being involved with betting companies, veteran sports journalist Gideon Haigh told Crikey: “People will swim through shit for a dollar.”