Hustler
30-01-09, 11:02 AM
NRL clubs sign with betting agency Ezybet
By Andrew Webster | January 30, 2009 12:00am
STRUGGLING rugby league clubs are about to sign en masse with an on-line betting agency as they start to feel the strain of the global financial crisis.
On the day The Daily Telegraph revealed that Knights star Jarrod Mullen has been dragged into a messy stewards inquiry because of his relationship with jockey Allan Robinson, the Sharks and Knights agreed in principle to deals with little-known agency Ezybet.
Other clubs are poised to follow, including South Sydney - despite co-owners Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court vowing a year ago to remove poker machines from its embattled leagues club because it fostered problem gambling.
The deals - which are still awaiting approval from the NRL - are similar to the one Gold Coast struck during grand final week. Fans will be able to bet on Sharksbet.com.au and Knightsbet.com.au on a host of sporting fixtures.
"We have to explore new revenue streams," Sharks chief executive Tony Zappia said. "You can't quantify how much we can make out it. In hard financial times such as these, more people seem to gamble so it makes sense to benefit off that."
The timing of the announcement seemed ill-advised after it emerged Mullen was quizzed by Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy because his mobile number appeared on Robinson's phone records.
Robinson is at the centre of investigations into betting activities at country tracks involving a mystery punter. Mullen is not accused of any wrongdoing.
"This deal should be seen in its own light, and not because of the issue with Jarrod," Knights chief executive Steve Burraston insisted.
"(Questions about integrity) only involve dishonest people. And I'd like to think there are no dishonest people in our game."
NRL chief executive David Gallop said the deals were being examined by lawyers - but he did not oppose the principle of being aligned with betting agencies.
The NRL has a lucrative sponsorship deal with TAB Sportsbet.
"Gambling will happen around the game anyway," he said. "We think it's only right that sports such as ours have an ability to be compensated for the association."
It remains to be seen how much clubs stand to benefit from the association but Ezybet general manager Ryan Kay estimated about "$1 million a season".
"While the revenue opportunity is clearly attractive we are approaching these arrangements carefully to ensure that the right safeguards are in place to protect the game," Gallop said.
Souths boss Shane Richardson said his club had not signed a deal yet and its members were being sounded out about whether they wanted to sign the deal.
By Andrew Webster | January 30, 2009 12:00am
STRUGGLING rugby league clubs are about to sign en masse with an on-line betting agency as they start to feel the strain of the global financial crisis.
On the day The Daily Telegraph revealed that Knights star Jarrod Mullen has been dragged into a messy stewards inquiry because of his relationship with jockey Allan Robinson, the Sharks and Knights agreed in principle to deals with little-known agency Ezybet.
Other clubs are poised to follow, including South Sydney - despite co-owners Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court vowing a year ago to remove poker machines from its embattled leagues club because it fostered problem gambling.
The deals - which are still awaiting approval from the NRL - are similar to the one Gold Coast struck during grand final week. Fans will be able to bet on Sharksbet.com.au and Knightsbet.com.au on a host of sporting fixtures.
"We have to explore new revenue streams," Sharks chief executive Tony Zappia said. "You can't quantify how much we can make out it. In hard financial times such as these, more people seem to gamble so it makes sense to benefit off that."
The timing of the announcement seemed ill-advised after it emerged Mullen was quizzed by Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy because his mobile number appeared on Robinson's phone records.
Robinson is at the centre of investigations into betting activities at country tracks involving a mystery punter. Mullen is not accused of any wrongdoing.
"This deal should be seen in its own light, and not because of the issue with Jarrod," Knights chief executive Steve Burraston insisted.
"(Questions about integrity) only involve dishonest people. And I'd like to think there are no dishonest people in our game."
NRL chief executive David Gallop said the deals were being examined by lawyers - but he did not oppose the principle of being aligned with betting agencies.
The NRL has a lucrative sponsorship deal with TAB Sportsbet.
"Gambling will happen around the game anyway," he said. "We think it's only right that sports such as ours have an ability to be compensated for the association."
It remains to be seen how much clubs stand to benefit from the association but Ezybet general manager Ryan Kay estimated about "$1 million a season".
"While the revenue opportunity is clearly attractive we are approaching these arrangements carefully to ensure that the right safeguards are in place to protect the game," Gallop said.
Souths boss Shane Richardson said his club had not signed a deal yet and its members were being sounded out about whether they wanted to sign the deal.