Police investigate punter in Dally M betting sting

Craig Bellamy claiming the coach of the year award came as a shock, and now detectives from NSW Police’s organised crime squad are investigating after complaints from bookmakers.

• TIPS.COM.AU: Over $2 million in prizes to be won

NSW Police are investigating a punter who heavily backed Craig Bellamy to win the Dally M coach-of-the-year award, allegedly with inside information.

Detectives from the State Crime Command’s organised crime squad established Strike Force Mirrabei to investigate the matter after complaints from bookmakers late last year.

The matter was reported to police by the NRL integrity unit and investigations are ongoing, according to detectives.

Watch the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO. Every game of every round LIVE & Ad-Break Free during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy after winning the Coach of the Year award during the 2019 Dally M Awards. Picture: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

The NRL has confirmed the punter does not work for the NRL or Fox Sports, the network that televises the event, but an organisation that is involved in the event.

The punter placed the bet in the days leading up to the Dally M awards after the coach-of-the-year result had been determined.

It is believed the punter won close to $20,000 on the sting with a number of bookmakers.

The NRL employs a betting analyst in the integrity unit to monitor market moves and irregularities.

FOOTY TIPS! Join Australia’s best footy tipping competition for your chance to win big. Add our experts to your league and join now at TIPS.COM.AU.

Bellamy’s win was a shock, despite Melbourne Storm winning the minor premiership.

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart and Manly Sea Eagles mentor Des Hasler were well in the market.

Originally published as Police investigate punter in Dally M betting sting