Netball betting has fast become a talking point among sporting circles but CrownBet has quashed the notion, making clear it has never offered – and never would offer – markets on sub-professional netball. 

This follows reports stemming from Geelong media that gambling agency CrownBet would run odds on Geelong Football League netball.

”We only offer markets on professional Australian and international netball with the authorisation of Netball Australia,” a CrownBet spokesman said.

Netball Victoria chief executive officer Rosie King also issued a statement on the potential for betting agencies to extend premiership betting markets into netball.

“We understand CrownBet has confirmed that it has never offered markets on sub-professional netball and has no plans to do so,” Ms King said.

“Netball in Victoria maintains high standards of integrity across all areas of our operation, both on and off the court, and would encourage the community to be aware of the risks surrounding gambling.”

However, many sports gambling agencies offer the ability to request odds on specifics in sports occurring through the season.

EARLIER

PREMIERSHIP betting will extend to grassroots netball this season but odds are unlikely markets will turn to Ballarat courts soon.

Geelong Football League netball premiership odds will be released this month in what is understood to be a first in metropolitan and country netball in Victoria.

Markets will be run via CrownBet, which already runs premiership betting on three AFL Barwon senior football competitions. 

Rival betting agency Sportsbet, which runs markets on Barwon and Goldfields football, issued a one line statement to The Courier that “there are no current plans to offer those (netball) markets at the moment”.

Netball betting is not popular concept with those The Courier contacted in the Ballarat Football League, including East Point premiership captain Emma Farrell.

The former Ballarat state league captain has played in the Geelong league and said it was a completely different, more high-profile game closer to the coast.

“The GFL has a history of paying big money in player payments, that then increases the standard of the league,” Farrell said.

“It’s closer to Melbourne, which makes it more attractive for city girls and those going to the beach compared to playing in cold Ballarat in the winter. The GFL has lots of things going for it, but it is a stronger league with more money involved.”

Farrell said the national Super Netball league was void of the gambling saturation in other live sporting broadcasts, particularly football, and this was a good thing because it kept the focus on the game.

Betting markets are run independent of leagues by gambling agencies.

Ballarat Football League, as part of AFL Goldfields, has a long-held stance against gambling in country ranks. 

AFL Victoria rules prohibit any form of betting by players and club officials. If caught they face fines or suspension. AFL Goldfields also offers gambling awareness education programs throughout its leagues.

Betting on GFL netball will only be open for premiership odds, just as in country football, not on individual matches.