Starting August 5th, the Australian Football League’s ex-boss, Gillon McLachlan, will begin serving as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of gambling giant Tabcorp. While this sparked an over 2% surge in Tabcorp’s share price, it also highlighted the close ties between Australian football and gambling, something many Aussie sports fans disapprove of.
In Monday’s ASX announcement, Tabcorp highlighted Mr McLachlan’s success in doubling the AFL’s revenue from around AU$500 million to over AU$1,000 million, as well as his role in securing an AU$4.5 billion broadcasting rights deal between the AFL and several leading broadcasters. Besides his success in the AFL, a focus was also placed on Mr McLachlan’s experience in horse racing, as well as the fact that he is an owner and breeder of thoroughbred horses.
Bruce Akhurst, Executive Chairman of Tabcorp, welcomed Mr McLachlan and highlighted the former AFL boss’ focus on growth and how he will allow Tabcorp to “capitalise on the opportunities” that await. “Gill has a deep understanding of sport, racing, and wagering, combined with significant commercial acumen,” he continued, and he further added the board is looking forward to the potential growth Mr McLachlan will facilitate during his time as CEO.
Some Consider the Prominence of Gambling in Australian Sports Problematic
Mr McLachlan also issued a statement, putting an emphasis on Tabcorp’s status as a fully regulated wagering company across most Australian states and the fact that Tabcorp is a major contributor to Australian racing, with last year’s financial support exceeding AU$1 billion.
According to Mr Mclachlan, the above served to cement his decision to accept the role of CEO, and he finished his statement by saying the following: “I’m looking forward to working with the leadership team to accelerate and deliver on the growth opportunities.”
Many did not mirror his enthusiasm, however. Social media users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit were quick to criticise Mr Mclachlan’s appointment, with some commenting on how it has become difficult to enjoy Australian football if you are not fond of gambling promotions. In addition, Independent Senator David Pocock spoke with ABC Radio National about the issue, claiming that he has “serious concerns” about the situation. He believes that presently, there is a need to cut the ties between Australian sports and gambling as opposed to fostering the relationship further.
Mr Pocock is also particularly concerned about Mr Mclachlan’s insider knowledge when it comes to the inner workings of the AFL and how he could use that “for the benefit of the gambling industry.” Mr Pockock also drew attention to how many parents in Australia are worried about how difficult it is for them to watch sports with their children without being exposed to gambling ads. He continued, citing research which has found that, in Australia, 75% of children aged between 8 and 16 see sports betting as a “normal part of enjoying sports,” something he finds exceptionally troubling given how Australia is the country where residents lose the most money from gambling compared to any other jurisdiction.
- Author
Daniel Williams
