Bookmakers and Football Australia Clash Over New Betting Fee System
A dispute between Football Australia (FA) and major bookmakers such as Tabcorp, Sportsbet, and Entain is escalating as the governing body pushes for higher gambling fees. Under the proposed system, operators would pay per match – either 1% of turnover or up to 15% of gross profit, depending on which is greater – potentially making soccer the most expensive sport for bookmakers in Australia.
FA Proposes a Match-based Fee Model
Football Australia’s current agreement with operators expires at the end of October. At present, bookmakers pay either 1% of total turnover or 15% of gross profit every quarter, a system that has reportedly earned FA around AUD 9 million ($5.9 million) over the past three years, according to the Australian Financial Review.
The proposed overhaul would replace this with a match-based model. Bookmakers would pay a fee calculated per game, set at either 1% of turnover or 15% of gross profit – whichever is higher. Industry experts warn that this could push total fees to as much as 30% of revenue for certain fixtures, far exceeding the costs associated with other Australian sports such as the AFL and NRL.
In anticipation of these changes, several major operators have already removed smaller soccer leagues from their platforms, including the Victorian State League and NSW League Two. Some even suggest that A-League betting markets could be next if the proposal moves forward.
Bookmakers argue that charging on a per-match basis would introduce financial instability and make managing cash flow significantly more difficult. The FA, however, insists that the additional revenue is vital to support grassroots and youth development programs nationwide.
This debate comes amid growing interest in soccer among young Australians, driven by the success of the Matildas at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and strong domestic broadcast numbers.
Regulator’s Investigation Adds Pressure
The ongoing conflict has become even more complex following an investigation by Victoria’s gambling regulator into FA’s integrity framework. The review was launched in the wake of two match-fixing scandals involving former A-League players.
Observers suggest that this scrutiny has made FA more determined to secure higher fees, arguing that the increased funds are necessary to cover monitoring and compliance costs. Bookmakers, on the other hand, claim they already invest heavily in integrity systems and face rising regulatory expenses across multiple states.
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Financial Stakes for Football Australia
While Football Australia reported record annual revenue of $123.7 million in 2024, it also posted an $8.5 million net loss, largely due to higher spending on media rights, marketing, and staffing. Gambling-related income remains an important pillar of FA’s funding, especially for community and grassroots initiatives.
Industry experts believe that the standoff could reshape the way Australian sports balance fairness, income generation, and accessibility. If no agreement is reached, state-level soccer could lose visibility and fan engagement, while bookmakers may reduce their involvement in soccer markets to protect profit margins.