Top bookmaker Tom Waterhouse has landed a multi-million dollar deal with the NRL to take over from the TAB as the official gambling partner.
It is understood that the young bookmaker and the NRL have been in negotiations for the past couple of months. Waterhouse will sign on for five years with the deal to be in place before the start of the 2013 season.
NRL officials and Tom Waterhouse are yet to confirm the partnership but insiders in the wagering industry are certain it is completed.
The exact figure of the deal is unknown, with reports it could be worth upwards of $10 million a year, which could also include an advertising package with Channel Nine, e.g. coverage of rugby league when live odds are presented during games.
By Owens Wong