AFL Investigates Gold Coast Suns Staffer over Links to Betting Company

The Australian Football League (AFL) has launched an integrity review into a Gold Coast Suns member amid concerns of links to a gambling business previously penalized by regulators.

Gold Coast Suns Staff Member under Scrutiny for Okebet Involvement

Mark Opie, a long-serving administrator who now works in a matchday capacity with the Gold Coast Suns, is among those involved in the investigation. He is said to have been involved in the setting up of the bookmaker Okebet, which led to a complaint that eventually saw the league’s integrity unit step in.

It is understood that a customer of the betting platform brought the issue to light, alerting league officials to the fact that Opie had links to the company while also holding accreditation within the AFL system, as reported by The Australian. Such accreditation typically demands disclosure of conflicts of interest, including those involving wagering.

The Suns are aware of the situation and are cooperating with the league’s investigation. The club did not offer any details on Opie’s specific role but said all staff were required to abide by AFL rules and governance standards.

Regulatory Breach by Okebet Adds Pressure to AFL Integrity Probe

The case has garnered additional attention because of Okebet’s regulatory history. The company was fined by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission in 2024 after authorities found it had breached gambling laws. The regulator said the bookmaker had run promotional activity targeting those who had opted out of gambling and offered incentives tied to community sports clubs, which are unlawful under Victorian legislation.

The original decision was upheld earlier this year, despite a challenge to the penalty, increasing concerns about the company’s conduct. Officials from the regulator have previously insisted that betting should not be promoted in grassroots sporting environments, noting the dangers for vulnerable individuals.

Opie is best known for his career in Australian rules football spanning over two decades with the Richmond Football Club where he was awarded life membership after years of being the team manager. He then joined the Gold Coast Suns soon after coach Damien Hardwick took over the reins at the club.

The investigation comes amid increasing scrutiny of relationships between AFL staff and betting companies. The league has faced growing pressure to ensure a clear line between competition and gambling interests, and recent developments have already changed the way wagering firms interact with people connected to the sport. The AFL has not indicated when the review will be completed, but whatever the outcome, it could affect policies on staff involvement in outside commercial activities.