Betting bonanza predicted for late-season games featuring rule trials

THE bookies are rubbing their hands together hoping the AFL goes ahead with its planned in-season rule trials. ELIZA SEWELL found out why they are so excited and what it means for punters.

BETTING agencies could be the big winners if the AFL goes ahead with its plan to trial controversial new rules this season.

The AFL has foreshadowed a radical late-season trial of new rules with possible guinea pig games including Fremantle v Carlton in Round 21 and Gold Coast v Brisbane in Round 22.

SAINTS TRIAL: HOW DID THE NEW RULES GO?

NEW RULES: THE AFL’S PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

HANDS UP: LIONS KEEN TO BE FIRST MOVER

While footballing greats have expressed concerns about the move compromising the integrity of the game — with the draft, Brownlow voting and the Coleman Medal race potentially affected — betting agency Ladbrokes is buoyed.

Eric Hipwood of the Lions and Rory Thompson could go head-to-head in Round 22 in a different looking game if the AFL conducts a rule trial during the fixture

Ladbrokes Australia Chief Executive Jason Scott said rule changes would increase betting turnover for games that were otherwise not as attractive to punters.

“I think it’s a great idea. It’s going to create interest about a game which would likely be devoid of any otherwise,” Scott said.

“If there’s an added intrigue around these games, people will be watching and history suggests people watching means people betting.

“Looking at these games now, it’s hard to see them attracting a great deal of turnover.”

Scott allayed fears of integrity issues.

COMPLETE THE SURVEY AND YOU COULD WIN GRAND FINAL TICKETS

“We’ll know what the rules are going in so can be protected somewhat against any irregularities but that’s something we are willing to wear,” he said.

A TAB spokesman said: “If the AFL does formally announce some changes to conditions for matches then we’ll work through any wagering implications with them.”

Watch every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. SIGN UP NOW >