Tigers odds-on for Luxbet deal
Mark Hayes | January 24, 2009
A CHANGE in AFL betting sponsorship rules is poised to reap a multi-million dollar windfall for Richmond.
The league yesterday relaxed its regulations, enabling clubs to strike deals with sports wagering companies and paving the way for the Tigers to sign with Luxbet as early as next week.
In line with State Government advertising laws that were relaxed before the spring racing carnival, the AFL's new policy will enable betting shops to become key club sponsors after they have had a commercial arrangement with the league for a year.
It is understood Richmond has been approached by several betting companies in recent weeks and that the Tigers have exerted some pressure on the AFL so they can end their quest for a major backer.
Hamish McKenzie, Richmond's general manger of commercial operations, was tight-lipped about the changes.
"We have been in discussions with betting agencies and will now assess the impact of the AFL's announcement," McKenzie said yesterday.
"We continue to be in discussions with business partners for sponsorship opportunities which we anticipate finalising in the coming weeks."
Melbourne, the other club yet to secure a major sponsor for 2009, refused to comment on the development.
The AFL has information sharing and financial agreements with Tabcorp, Betfair, Betezy, Sports Acumen, IAS Bet, Sportingbet and Racing Odds.
And while chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan said the AFL would "consider on a case-by-case basis approval of major sponsorship agreements", Luxbet's parent company Tabcorp appears to meet the new guidelines.
Richmond denied a deal had already been brokered and was merely awaiting the AFL's rubber stamp.
But it is understood the Tigers would pocket in excess of $2 million if the proposed deal is approved.
McLachlan said no specific deals were on the table, but hoped the rules would open a new path for clubs in the tight financial market.
"The new guidelines have basically been set to reflect a change in the marketplace," McLachlan said. "We are definitely hopeful we'll get a few more inquiries.
"We want the (rules) to mean we build relationships with (new) companies. It's the best way for us to reinforce our gambling rules and regulations."
He said the change would not affect its relationship with existing commercial partners.
New bookmaking partners are likely to seek an assurance from the AFL that team selection changes are done in a transparent manner to prevent critical punting information leaking from clubs.
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