Length of contract: 3 years | Annualised value: US$250,000 | Overall value: US$750,000

The links between Australian rugby league and gambling companies have again increased with the news that the South Sydney Rabbitohs, who play in the 80,000-capacity ANZ Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park, will be sponsored by online gambling firm Betezy.

The Herald Sun newspaper described the deal as 'a stunning backflip' - the National Rugby League (NRL) club, owned by actor Russell Crowe, had previously tried to ban gambling machines in the stadium, because of concerns that such machines, known as 'pokies', take advantage of their fans. Now they will work with Betezy to develop a new gambling website, Bunnybet.com.au.

"Obviously people are going to talk about it being a backflip," said Rabbitohs chief executive Shane Richardson. "This is a decision made after much consultation with the members. From a commercial point of view, we would be mad not to do it. NRL clubs are trying to bring new revenues into the game, and we feel that sports betting is going to be an increasing source of funding in Rugby League over the coming years.

"We were approached by a number of sports betting agencies and we decided that Betezy was the best option for us to go with. We've not entered into this partnership lightly. We consulted our Members on this issue, and the response we received was over 90 percent in support of moving ahead with a sponsorship agreement."

Richardson also confirmed that the league had approved the deal. "We've been in consultation with the NRL to ensure we meet their policies regarding sponsorship and sports betting, and they have given us the green light to move ahead. We've said that to be able to control the affects of sports betting on Rugby League and our Club, then we need to be part of it, and that's what we are doing by entering this agreement with Betezy," he said.

The club will receive 'a guaranteed six-figure annual sponsorship plus advertising commissions based on turnover'. That is likely to mean a minimum of US$250,000 with the global increase in online betting. Six other NRL clubs have similar agreements with sports betting agencies, including the Gold Coast Titans.

Betezy's general manager Ryan Kay said: "The huge success of the TitansBet.com.au venture has demonstrated that all Clubs can achieve a major income stream from sports betting. We are extremely happy to announce the launch of Bunnybet.com.au today. The Rabbitohs have very loyal fans, who by moving their betting turnover to their club's betting site can help ensure the success of their club."