Betting on the Brownlow Medal count to proceed with new integrity and monitoring provisions

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) will allow betting on the 2023 Brownlow Medal, including round-by-round voting, after the AFL has agreed to implement a range of tougher controls around voting and betting markets. 

In a letter to AFL CEO-elect Andrew Dillon today, the VGCCC states it is satisfied with several immediate initiatives for the 2023 vote, but will monitor additional longer-term improvements. 

New safeguards include: 

• prohibiting any type of AFL betting by 'all AFL persons, including umpires' 
• pay-out limits of $250 on all Brownlow round bets  
• all betting transaction data being provided to the AFL 
• strengthened surveillance of AFL umpires and their associates 
• spot audits of all AFL persons 

The VGCCC’s chair, Fran Thorn said, “We have determined the AFL’s control improvements are adequate and determined a prohibition on the 2023 Brownlow round-by-round voting is not required at this time.” 

“We are satisfied with the immediate control improvements but will continue to monitor  the implementation of additional priority measures including a real-time transaction monitoring system, the prohibition of betting providers over compliance concerns, a monthly audit of unapproved bet types and the categorising of vulnerable player groups at a higher risk of being compromised, such as young players and those at the end of their careers.” 

The VGCCC’s inquiries were prompted by the reports of an AFL umpire allegedly leaking results of round-by-round voting before the 2022 Brownlow Medal count, allegedly resulting in a series of successful wagers being placed. This matter is an ongoing investigation by Victoria Police.