Gamblers from Australia File Lawsuit Against Sportsbet for Accusations of Unlawful Gambling
In a significant development for the Australian gambling industry, a class-action lawsuit has been filed against Sportsbet in the Supreme Court of Victoria. The lawsuit, which was initiated on December 24, 2022, targets Sportsbet's "Fast Code" feature, alleging that it enables illegal in-play betting, a practice strictly prohibited under Australia's Interactive Gambling Act (IGA).
The lawsuit argues that all live bets placed using the Fast Code service from December 24, 2018, to December 24, 2024, were unlawful under the IGA. The plaintiffs are demanding the return of millions of dollars in losses incurred through these bets, citing the illegality of the service.
The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for future enforcement actions related to in-play betting in Australia. If the allegations prove true, Sportsbet faces potential financial repercussions, including the repayment of substantial sums.
In-play betting allows gamblers to place bets on sporting events as they occur, with rapid odds changes requiring quick decisions. This practice has been under scrutiny due to concerns about its potential to contribute to gambling harm. The IGA's stipulation was originally designed to curb impulse betting and potential gambling harm by limiting this practice to telephone bets.
The case raises questions about the adequacy of current regulations and the responsibilities of betting platforms in protecting consumers. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is closely observing the case's outcome, recognising its potential to influence not only legal outcomes but also future market practices.
Legal experts and industry analysts are closely watching the case, recognising its potential to reshape the landscape of sports betting in Australia. Should the allegations prove true, it could lead to stricter regulations and oversight in the gambling industry, potentially leading to significant legislative and regulatory changes in an industry that is both lucrative and controversial.
As of July 28, 2025, there is no publicly available or reported information from accessible sources on a class-action lawsuit against Sportsbet over the Fast Code feature. However, further details or updates might require searching Australian legal databases, news outlets, or official regulatory announcements beyond these sources.
The case promises to be a landmark one, attracting significant attention both nationally and globally. Key hearings and the presentation of detailed evidence are expected in the legal process. The gamblers involved in the lawsuit have shared experiences of substantial financial losses due to the alleged illegal setup of Sportsbet's betting features.
In conclusion, the Sportsbet lawsuit highlights potential risks and harms associated with in-play betting for gamblers and raises important questions about the industry's responsibilities in protecting consumers. As the case progresses, it is expected to have far-reaching implications for the betting industry in Australia.
The gamblers in the lawsuit against Sportsbet accuse the casino-and-gambling platform of enabling illegal in-play sports betting, a practice they allege occurred from December 24, 2018, to December 24, 2024, using the Fast Code service. The plaintiffs have bet millions of dollars on sports through this service and are demanding its legality be addressed, threatening potential financial repercussions for Sportsbet.
