AFL Defends Umpire’s Role with Sportsbet Amid Gambling Concerns
The AFL has given its approval for field umpire Nick Foot to take on a role with Sportsbet as a horse racing analyst. This decision has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that it highlights the league’s increasing ties to the gambling industry. Foot, who officiated last year’s AFL Grand Final and has umpired 238 games, will now feature on Get On , a Sportsbet-affiliated horse racing show.
The AFL has made it clear that Foot’s role is strictly limited to racing and has no connection to football. According to a league spokesperson, if Foot’s involvement had anything to do with AFL matches, it would not have been approved. However, critics, including gambling reform advocate Reverend Tim Costello, argue that the AFL is blurring the lines between sports and betting, further integrating gambling culture into the game.
Also Read:- Centrelink Payments Set for March 2025 Increase – What You Need to Know
- Southwest Airlines Announces Massive Layoffs, Over 1,000 Jobs Cut
Costello didn’t hold back in his criticism, stating, “The AFL now looks more like a betting company with a side subsidiary called football.” He expressed concern that young fans are becoming immersed in gambling culture, with betting odds being a regular part of conversations around the sport. He sees Foot’s Sportsbet role as yet another example of gambling’s growing influence in Australian rules football.
Despite the criticism, Foot himself seems excited about the opportunity. He announced his new role on social media, writing, “Excited to start work with @sportsbetcom.au in 2025.” His weekly appearances on the Sportsbet platform will focus solely on horse racing, not AFL.
The AFL continues to defend its decision, emphasizing that Foot has had prior experience in racing media, having worked with RSN, a racing and sports radio network. The league insists that as long as his Sportsbet role remains separate from football, there is no conflict of interest.
However, this hasn’t stopped accusations of hypocrisy. Many are questioning how the AFL can claim to be addressing gambling harm while maintaining strong commercial relationships with betting companies. This debate is likely to continue, with gambling reform advocates pushing for stricter regulations on the AFL’s partnerships with bookmakers.
One thing is clear—this is yet another example of how deeply embedded gambling has become in Australian sports. Whether Foot’s new role is truly separate from football or another step in mainstreaming sports betting remains a contentious issue.
Read More:
0 Comments