By opting “out”,the players will not have their image used by the AFL’s lucrative betting partner,Sportsbet,which is entitled to use their image - in small groups shots and also in footage - to promote or advertise the company’s betting on the AFL.
In addition to Brown,who is renowned for his stands on social issues,The Age is aware of another well-known player,who wished to remain anonymous,who opted out for ethical reasons,feeling uncomfortable with the betting promotion.
There are other players,according to agents,who have opted out of the wagering promotion because they have had gambling problems in the past.
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A number of senior players contacted byThe Age,however,had little awareness that the AFL effectively asks them to “opt out” - and that Sportsbet had the right to use their image if they did not specify opposition to being used in the betting promotion/advertisements.
Nearly all these players contacted had not objected and thus Sportsbet had the right to use their image,even though some expressed misgivings about the wagering connection.
In 2022,close to 30 players chose to “opt out” of the wagering promotion for the betting partner — fewer than 4 per cent of players. Under AFL rules,players cannot be involved in encouraging betting on AFL games,but their image can be exclusively used by the AFL’s wagering partner,which also has a presence on the league’s website and App.