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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Luca Ittimani

Offshore gambling operators using Australian Open to promote illegal services

Crowds of fans are seen in the glass mirrors of Rod Laver Arena at lunchtime during the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park
Another offshore operator has featured in an Australian influencer’s Instagram video promoting its live in-play betting, which has been viewed more than 40,000 times. Photograph: James D Morgan/Getty Images

Offshore gambling operators are using the Australian Open to promote their illegal services, sparking calls for sweeping bans on the unlicensed websites.

Australian regulators and sporting professionals have expressed rising concern at the growth of offshore sites, where gamblers are not protected by Australian consumer law and have no guarantee they can withdraw their winnings.

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