In a push to increase grassroots funding, Football Australia is asking betting companies to pay higher product fees. However, this effort could make soccer the most expensive sport for bookmakers, causing major operators in Australia to remove local leagues from their websites. This growing standoff may reduce the visibility of the A-League and affect overall fan engagement.
Historically, the governing body has collected product fees from gambling operators based on either 1% of turnover or 15% of gross profit for bets placed on Australian soccer. This model is common across other Australian sports. Now, Football Australia wants to change these terms, charging fees per match and raising the ceiling. As a result, sportsbooks may end up handing over close to 30% of soccer betting revenue.
In reaction, companies such as Sportsbet, Tabcorp and the group behind Ladbrokes have removed lower-tier Australian soccer games and are considering withdrawing A-League matches too. Their main concern is financial unpredictability. Charging fees on every match could put pressure on cash flow and disrupt operations, particularly since soccer generates less betting activity than the AFL or NRL.
This conflict is unfolding while the government reviews Football Australia's integrity systems in light of recent match-fixing cases. One major bookmaker has taken steps by removing high-risk betting markets like cards and fouls, but Football Australia has not proposed similar limits. Some experts argue this is a missed chance to address wider issues.
Although Football Australia relies heavily on betting revenue to support its development initiatives, the organisation remains under financial strain. Last year it generated $123.7 million in revenue, buoyed by growing interest in the Matildas and A-Leagues, but still recorded a loss of $8.5 million. With more Gen Z and Millennial fans engaging with the sport, especially during international tournaments, soccer is gaining momentum. Still, without a financial agreement, the betting blackout could sever a vital link to this expanding audience.
