Seventy-seven per cent of club presidents say they are against betting on their matches. Darwin-based agency Sportsbet this year fielded markets on the premiership winner of nine major leagues and three district leagues.
Sportsbet's Phil Hannah told the Herald Sun earlier this year the concept had generated a lot of interest.
But the presidents are not convinced.
"Country footy is more about community, it's the social fabric of the country town," Dimboola president Alan Braithwaite said.
"Betting on it puts an element in there that's a bit distasteful I would think."
Braithwaite said he was also against betting on only premierships.
"There are all sorts of avenues there for match-fixing, it's just best to not even go there," he said.
But North Albury president Paul Spencer said there was some merit in betting, provided profits were given back to clubs.
"I think that's what has made it so attractive for the AFL, that they've made a direction that any money received would be pumped back into junior development or whatever it is," Spencer said.
"So I suppose as long as we saw that sort of thing happening as well . . . then you'd have to be supportive of it.
"At the end of the day, everyone likes a punt. So if it gives your supporters another avenue to support you then why not?"
By Matt Windley
Article first appeared The Herald Sun, August 22, 2009
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