Sectors

Sports Controlling Bodies

Sports Controlling Bodies play a vital role in protecting the integrity of betting, and for wagering operators seeking to offer a diverse suite of betting products.

Sports Controlling Bodies are peak organisations appointed under various legislation to oversee and regulate betting activities on the sports they control. Their role is crucial in ensuring the integrity of sporting events and maintaining the trust of participants and fans.

Holding this status enables these bodies to enter agreements with wagering operators governing betting on the sports they control. In Victoria, for instance, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) approves sports organisations as sports controlling bodies under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic), provided prescribed criteria are met. These criteria include demonstrating adequate policies, rules, codes of conduct or other mechanisms designed to ensure the integrity of the event. Sports bodies must also have the expertise, resources and authority necessary to administer, monitor and enforce integrity systems on its events.

Recognised Sports Controlling Bodies in Australia

There are fourteen recognised Sports Controlling Bodies responsible for regulating their sport’s Australian format:

Product Fee and Integrity Agreements

Before bookmakers can legally accept bets on a particular sport, they will need approval from the relevant ‘Sports Controlling Body’ (should one exist). This approval is typically formalised through a ‘Product Fee and Integrity Agreement.’ These agreements outline conditions for betting operators, ensuring that sports integrity objectives are met through timely information sharing of suspicious conduct and transactions and providing for financial contributions to the sport.

More detail about product and integrity agreements can be found in our April 2024 article: ‘Let the games begin! A guide to sports product fee and integrity approvals in Australia’.

Senet can assist bookmakers navigating the the sports controlling body framework by providing:

Guidance on Approvals: Working with you to determine which approvals are necessary and what is involved in obtaining approval.

Application Preparation: Preparing applications with the ‘Sports Controlling Bodies’.

Agreement Drafting: Drafting and advising on ‘Product Fee and Integrity Agreements’ which align with how your business will operate in practice – so you can offer markets with confidence.

Representation: Liaising with ‘Sports Controlling Bodies’ on your behalf.

FAQ

Sports Controlling Bodies Knowledge

Yes, betting on sports is legal when offered under a licence issued by an Australian state or territory. However, what sports can be legally offered will depend on the kind of licence a bookmaker has, the location of the customer, and whether the bookmaker has approval from the relevant ‘Sports Controlling Body’ (if any).
There are fourteen sports that receive money from wagering by way of products fees. These sports are AFL, basketball, bowls, cricket, golf, hockey, motorcycle racing, motor sports, netball, rugby league, rugby union, soccer, and tennis. The amount each bookmaker must pay is outlined in their agreement with the relevant sports controlling body.
Race controlling bodies also levy fees for the use of information related to their product called ‘race field fees’.
The sporting bodies are approved and must comply with requirements overseen by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) and Liquor and Gaming NSW. These bodies are charged with approving ‘sports controlling bodies.’ The sporting bodies are also overseen by Sports Integrity Australia.