Key points:
- The class action lawsuit challenges the legality of Sportsbet's Fast Code in-play betting service
- Action covers losses from live sports betting over a six-year period from 2018 to 2024
- Lawsuit alleges violation of the Interactive Gambling Act and Australian Consumer Law through misleading conduct
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers has initiated a class action lawsuit against Sportsbet in the Supreme Court of Victoria, challenging the legality of the operator's Fast Code in-play betting service.
The legal action, which commenced on 24 December 2024, seeks to recover millions in losses from bets placed during live sporting events.
The lawsuit centres around Sportsbet's Fast Code service, which allows customers to place in-play bets by entering a code displayed on the app or website during a telephone call with staff.
Good to know: Under Australian law, betting on sporting events after they commence is prohibited except when conducted wholly by telephone
Maurice Blackburn Principal Elizabeth O'Shea argues that the Fast Code service circumvents gambling harm prevention laws and violates legal requirements since bet information is communicated through means other than voice calls.
O’Shea stated: "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 rather 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 covers individuals who lost money placing in-play bets through the Fast Code service between 24 December 2018 and 24 December 2024. The action excludes racing events, including horse, harness and greyhound racing.
