Hugh McGahan: Betting ban shows double standards

Manly's David Williams has been suspended for betting. Photo / Getty Images

Players and officials have been hit directly on the chin for betting transgressions and now everyone knows where they stand in relation to any gambling on fixtures.

Manly's David Williams is the highest profile victim with his suspension for nine weeks for essentially having 'a punt'.

Some officials, in volunteer positions, have been sacked from their jobs while players and administrators in paid positions have been stood down.

It has been stressed there is no suggestion of match or spot fixing or that any official sacked or suspended has been in a position to influence the outcome of a result.

I applaud this stance by the NRL's Integrity Unit to draw a line in the sand - no betting whatsoever.

I am neither a gambler nor do I bet in any capacity (does a Lotto ticket count?), so the NRL's stance does not particularly bother me.

It does, however, highlight a double standard in the game. If gambling is so wrong, why do the NRL canvas for, endorse and strongly promote betting on games each week of its season? You cannot look on an NRL or club website without being hit with betting options on all games.

It is constantly highlighted on all league television shows as well as game day previews. Betting is within every culture, including Australia and New Zealand. All sports, including horses, greyhounds, rugby, cricket and football, have legal arrangements with betting agencies; you can even bet on who will win the most medals at the Olympics. It's everywhere and it's highly promoted. It is not surprising then that there are large captive audiences who want to have a bet, including those within the sport.

Sponsors involve themselves to sell their product and they seek the players for endorsement, so the many fans will purchase that product. Somehow this product is different.

If the Integrity Unit were being consistent, they should now enforce the same zero tolerance attitude to its alcohol issue. Will it ban people from the game if found guilty of drinking or will it wait for them to be guilty of a misdemeanour?

We hear of zero tolerance to this issue but the penalties are not as severe. Help is extended to those who transgress and second and third chances are given before suspension is handed down.

Alcohol has been at the forefront of the NRL's problems for years but never has there been an immediate suspension like this betting problem.

The line in the sand has been rubbed out and moved many times. Todd Carney, Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson are among the recent culprits but they were not immediately suspended. It took numerous transgressions to reach a point where action was taken.

Why is betting different? If the NRL want to be socially conscious, it must stop being hypocritical with its policies and rules.