Sportsbet's in-play product faces Federal Police probe
Operator maintains Bet Live's legality following its referral to the AFP by the Australian communications regulator
Sportsbet’s in-play service has been referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) by the country’s communications regulator, despite the operator maintaining the legality of its Bet Live product.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) recently referred a complaint it had received to the AFP, the latest development in Australia’s long-running live betting saga.
Rival operator William Hill was also referred to the AFP last year for offering live betting via its ‘click-to-call’ service but the case was not pursued by the federal police agency.
And Sportsbet’s general counsel, Adrian Ryan, claims Bet Live is 100% legal as it uses a public switched telephone network to process in-play wagers.
“Sportsbet is aware that the ACMA has referred a complaint regarding Sportsbet’s Bet Live telephone betting to the AFP for assessment, that alleges Sportsbet may be providing a service, via an internet carriage service where bets can be placed, made, received or accepted after the beginning of a sporting event,” he said.
“While Australian bookmakers’ live betting products differ, having taken eminent QC advice, Sportsbet maintains that as Bet Live is only available on mobile telephone devices and conducted via a voice call, it is wholly compliant with the Act,” Ryan added.
Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, Australian betting operators are prohibited from accepting online bets on live sports events and can only accept in-play wagers placed in person or over the phone.
The law states operators can only accept in-play wagers placed over the phone which led to a number of firms launching ‘click-to-call’ products, enabling customers to place bets online so long as the device’s microphone is switched on.
In April the Australian federal government pledged to maintain the country’s ban on online in-play wagering and introduce legislation to close any loopholes.
However, Ryan urged Australia’s governmental authorities to overhaul the current ban on online in-play betting which is legal in most of the world’s most prominent regulated gambling markets.
“It is critical that Australian regulation reflects international best practice and the global popularity of in-play wagering,” he said.
“Australia remains the only regulated jurisdiction in the world that doesn’t allow online in-play betting with analogue legislation ill-suited and ill-equipped to deal with the digital age.”