Speaking at a Responsible Gambling Awareness event in Melbourne, Victoria's Minister for Gaming, Michael O'Brien, says gambling advertising during AFL games has become relentless.
"We would urge the AFL and other organisations to use their influence to wind things back a bit," he said.
Last month the AFL signed a five year deal with TV broadcasters worth $1.25 billion.
The AFL's business manager, Andrew Dillion, says sports betting advertising was discussed during negotiations but no agreement was reached.
"Where we want to end up is in a position that is consistent across all forms of media," he said.
He expects a deal will be finalised with broadcasters and stadiums in coming months.
Mr O'Brien also supports tough penalties for people who abuse rules to profit from sports gambling.
The AFL's Adrian Anderson is calling for people who are caught cheating in sport to face penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
Mr O'Brien says anyone who takes money to throw a game is committing fraud.
"I would regard as a criminal offence and there should be tough penalties to act as a deterrent," he said.
Mr Dillon says the AFL doing a lot to prevent corruption, including appointing an integrity officer and intelligence co-ordinator.
"We believe these changes put us at the forefront of Australian sports in dealing with this issue," he said.
He says all major bookmakers are required to report any suspicious betting activity.
Tags: community-and-society, gambling, australian-football-league, melbourne-3000 First posted May 23, 2011 10:35:00
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