Sportsbet is facing a class action lawsuit over millions of dollars that gamblers have lost through alleged illegal in-game bets.
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers commenced the action in the Supreme Court of Victoria on December 24, the firm announced today.
The firm is targeting in-play bets, also known as live bets, made on sporting events using Sportsbet’s Fast Code service.
“Betting on a sporting event after the event commences is prohibited in Australia. There is an exception to this if the bet is made wholly by telephone,” Maurice Blackburn Principal Elizabeth O’Shea said.
“We believe that Sportsbet’s use of the Fast Code service is not just an attempt to circumvent important laws aiming to prevent gambling harm, it is also illegal because key information about the bet is communicated by punters otherwise than by a voice call.
“Sportsbet represented to the plaintiff and group members that the Fast Code service was legal, and in doing so we believe it engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct contrary to the Australian Consumer Law.”
The class action is fighting for a refund for everyone who lost money placing one or more in-play bets using Sportsbet’s Fast Code service.
It applies to bets made after the beginning of a sporting event in the past six years and does not include racing events including horse, harness or greyhound racing.
9news.com.au has contacted Sportsbet for comment.
There are many different ways to get help and information about gambling. You can visit the National Gambling Helpline or call on 1800 858 858.
