The AFL’s strict integrity rules now include the media, with the league introducing a five-hour betting blackout for matches.
Any accredited media working at an AFL game now cannot gamble on that match from two hours before the first bounce until the match is over.
“The ban has been introduced to help protect against the potential misuse of information gained by personnel working at a match,” the AFL said in a statement.
The new rules are part of the media accreditation terms and conditions.
“For clarity, if you are working at a match, you may still bet on that match outside of this five-hour period – for example, during the week, or before you are in the venue on match day,” the AFL said.
The new rule will apply from Thursday’s start of the pre-season cup.
Staff at AFL media are banned from all football betting.