Happy New Year to everyone.

Yes, I recall this the same way as you.    I believe it was Dave Lanning's idea for the club to place a bet on themselves as a publicity stunt, with the money shared out if they won.    The bet came in and the Promotion and the riders got paid a share, but Dave Lanning didn't, and he had to later sue the club (or at least threaten to sue) for his share. Even back in those more prosperous times, there was no prize money for winning the league.

I thought it was an explanation that most people of above average intelligence would understand, but obviously not everybody

Sandhu rewarded the Bees riders with the proceeds of an open meeting after winning the Elite League (not sure which year). Other promoters were horrified to think that the same might be expected from them in future.

Recall reading at least one other team, coulda bin Poole ?, were rewarded with a holiday by their promotion.  The late Len Silver often took his riders on skiing holidays. Getting to the (prob intended) point: give the team finishing top a trophy: League Winners, then play off winners a trophy also: League Champions = everyone happy.😀  "Simples", as a certain meerkat would say😉....

Keynan Rew