BREAKING: Major Australian bookmakers are pulling smaller soccer leagues from their betting platforms as a fierce dispute erupts with Football Australia (FA) over new gambling fee proposals. This conflict could potentially make soccer the most expensive sport for bookies in the nation, surpassing even AFL and NRL.
The current agreement between FA and leading betting companies, including Tabcorp, Sportsbet, and Entain (owners of Ladbrokes and Neds), is set to expire in late October 2023. Under this deal, bookmakers currently remit either 1% of their total bets or 15% of their profits every three months, a structure that has reportedly generated approximately AUD 9 million (around $5.9 million) for FA over the past three years, according to the Australian Financial Review.
FA is proposing a new model that would require betting firms to pay on a match-by-match basis, suggesting rates of 1% of turnover or up to 15% of gross profit, whichever is greater. Industry insiders warn that this change could push total fees close to 30% of revenue for specific games, significantly higher than the fees imposed by other major Australian sports. Consequently, many operators have already begun cutting betting options for leagues like the Victorian State League and NSW League Two, with concerns that A-League markets may be next if FA proceeds with its plans.
Bookmakers argue that these match-by-match fees would create instability and complicate cash flow management. However, FA maintains that the revenue generated supports grassroots and youth programs across Australia. This debate intensifies as soccer’s popularity among young Australians surges, fueled by the Matildas‘ impressive performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and strong viewership for domestic leagues.
Adding more pressure to the situation, Victoria’s gambling regulator has begun scrutinizing FA’s integrity framework, following two recent match-fixing scandals involving former A-League players. Observers state that this regulatory review has prompted FA to push for increased fees to cover the rising costs of monitoring and compliance. Bookmakers counter that they already invest heavily in integrity systems and face escalating regulatory expenses nationwide.
The stakes are high for FA, which reported record annual earnings of $123.7 million in 2024 but still faced an $8.5 million net loss due to rising media, marketing, and staffing costs. Gambling revenue remains a vital source of funding for community-level programs, making the outcome of these negotiations particularly critical.
Experts suggest that the ongoing deadlock could reshape how Australian sports manage fairness, revenue, and market dynamics. If an agreement is not reached, state-level soccer may see a decline in viewership and fan engagement, while bookmakers may exit the sport entirely to protect their profits.
Stay tuned as this developing story unfolds. Share your thoughts on the implications for Australian soccer and the betting industry!
