Having just signed an "audacious" A$40M ($33M) contract to clinch the rights to become the Australian Football League's official betting partner, BetEasy boss Matthew Tripp "is eyeing a similar arrangement" with the National Rugby League, according to Adrian Proszenko of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Rugby league "has been without an official wagering partner since a mooted multimillion-dollar deal with online bookmaker Tom Waterhouse spectacularly unravelled last year." However, given the passage of time and the huge boost to the rival code's coffers, "the governing body might reconsider its position." The AFL's deal "was reported to be worth" up to A$50M over five years. Whether the NRL could derive as much revenue "would depend on whether it could offer digital, ground and television properties to the betting operator." Tripp confirmed that BetEasy "was interested in a partnership with the NRL." Tripp said, "It's certainly a consideration for us. It's our objective to become the biggest operator in the land, so the NRL would be a good fit for us, as we thought the AFL would be" (SMH, 12/6).
