Sportsbet Hit with Class Action to Recover Millions from Alleged Illegal In-Game Bets
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Sportsbet, one of Australia’s largest online sports betting operators, seeking to recover millions of dollars in alleged illegal in-game bets. The lawsuit, which was filed in the Federal Court of Australia, claims that Sportsbet engaged in deceptive and unfair conduct by offering in-game betting markets that were not authorized under Australian law.
The lawsuit alleges that Sportsbet offered in-game betting markets on various sports, including football, cricket, and tennis, without obtaining the necessary approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities. The plaintiffs claim that these bets were illegal and that Sportsbet knowingly and intentionally accepted wagers on these markets, despite being aware that they were not authorized.
The class action seeks to recover damages on behalf of all individuals who placed in-game bets with Sportsbet between 2016 and 2022. The lawsuit claims that Sportsbet’s conduct was in breach of the Australian Consumer Law and the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, and that the company’s actions caused significant financial losses to the plaintiffs.
The lead plaintiff in the case, a Sydney-based man who wishes to remain anonymous, claims to have lost over $100,000 on in-game bets with Sportsbet. He alleges that he was induced to place these bets by Sportsbet’s misleading and deceptive conduct, and that he would not have placed the bets if he had known that they were illegal.
The lawsuit is being led by a team of lawyers from the law firm, Maurice Blackburn, who specialize in class actions and consumer law. The firm’s principal, Jacob Varghese, stated that the lawsuit is a significant one, and that it highlights the need for greater regulation and oversight of the online sports betting industry.
“This case is a classic example of a company putting profits ahead of people,” Varghese said. “Sportsbet’s alleged conduct is a clear breach of Australian law, and we believe that the company should be held accountable for its actions. We are committed to fighting for the rights of our clients and ensuring that they receive the compensation they deserve.”
Sportsbet has denied any wrongdoing and has stated that it will vigorously defend the lawsuit. The company claims that it has always operated within the bounds of the law and that its in-game betting markets were authorized under Australian regulations.
The case is expected to be heard in the Federal Court of Australia later this year, and it is likely to have significant implications for the online sports betting industry. If the plaintiffs are successful, it could lead to a major overhaul of the industry and greater regulation of online sports betting operators.
Key Facts:
– The class action lawsuit was filed against Sportsbet in the Federal Court of Australia.
– The lawsuit claims that Sportsbet engaged in deceptive and unfair conduct
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