Sports League Finds Teams Partnering with Online Casinos
While sports leagues in the United States try to maintain a facade of distance between themselves and gambling operations, some Australian rugby clubs have embraced the relationship.
In an effort to develop new revenue streams, the Gold Coast Titans of Australia's National Rugby League have agreed to a joint venture with online casino Betezy. Titanbet, the new company created by the partnership, will take wagers on the championship between Manly and Melbourne.
Titanbet even went so far as to offer odds as to the possible suspension of player Cam Smith, but were prevented by the NRL. The league has given notice they will prevent certain types of bets, and that strict arrangements to protect integrity must be followed in any deal with online gambling venues.
Titans CEO Michael Searle said that if the bookmakers were making money, the rugby clubs should be allowed to share in the profit.
The league has insisted that the Titans not profit from any single match win or loss in which they are involved. Other safeguards and agreements are expected to secure game integrity.
Still, several other clubs said they expected to follow suit and establish their own direct gambling connections.
