NEWCASTLE Knights' high-profile owner Nathan Tinkler is under investigation by rugby league's integrity unit after allegedly breaking strict NRL rules by betting on his side during 2011.
The Daily Telegraph has been told the ex-billionaire - or the Newcastle club - could face severe punishment, ranging from a heavy fine to a suspended licence.
NRL rules strictly prohibit any club official betting on rugby league.
According to a claim made by Luxbet in the Northern Territory Supreme Court in January, Tinkler plunged $25,000 on Newcastle in a match against New Zealand Warriors at Mount Smart Stadium on August 13, 2011.
He acquired the Knights on March 31 the same year.
After leading early, Newcastle eventually lost that game 20-12, Tinkler blowing his cash.
Coach Wayne Bennett's future at the club would be in some jeopardy should Tinkler's licence be suspended. Bennett's deal is understood to be with Tinkler, not the Knights.
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The NRL on Tuesday night confirmed Tinkler was now under investigation.
"It's a matter the integrity unit is making some inquiries into," NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle said.
"The NRL rules prevent any official from betting on rugby league. That includes anyone with a financial interest in the club. At this stage it's too early to comment beyond that."
A Newcastle spokesman declined to comment Tuesday night.
There is some chance the NRL may seek Tinkler's punting records from betting agencies to determine if wagers have been placed.
One rival NRL official was shocked to hear about Tinkler's alleged bet on Newcastle.
"He knows the rules, everyone in the game knows the rules," he said.
"The code of conduct is black and white - no betting on the games. The NRL will have no choice but to come down hard on him."
Sources told The Daily Telegraph Tuesday night that the Newcastle club may in fact face a breach notice if rules have been broken, not Tinkler personally.
The Daily Telegraph reported Tuesday that Tinkler's failure to pay debts prompted Luxbet to sue him in the Northern Territory Supreme Court in January, chasing $179,200.
Court documents obtained by The Daily Telegraph reveal Tinkler, the embattled businessman, was outlaying up to $200,000 a bet on horse races during a three-year spree.
He found few winners.
In April this year, Bennett said Tinkler was committed to the Knights despite his owner offloading the Patinack Farm horse racing operation
