Australian players launch class-action against Sportsbet
Up first, a group of Sportsbet customers in Australia have launched a class-action lawsuit against the operator, seeking to recover millions of dollars in losses.
Players are demanding Sportsbet repay the money they say was lost through “illegal” live betting, the Australian Associated Press reports. Digital in-play betting on sports is prohibited in Australia.
The suit said Sportsbet should refund gamblers who have lost money using Sportsbet’s ‘Fast Code’ service in the past six years. Fast Code allows players to bet on live sports by making a selection online and calling Sportsbet to place the wager.
Principal Lawyer Elizabeth O’Shea is working with the group on the case. She said: “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.”
The suit has been lodged in Victoria’s Supreme Court. Bets placed on racing, including horse, harness and greyhound events, are not included.
AFL legend’s son embroiled in gambling fraud case
Staying in Australia, Dylan DiPierdomenico, son of Australian Football League (AFL) legend Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico, has found himself at the centre of a gambling-related fraud case.
DiPierdomenico, whose father played for the Hawthorn Hawks, is alleged to have pocketed cash from former employer Protege Sport, trading as MGI Golf. The total amount taken, the Herald Sun reports, stands at AUS$140,716 (£71,681/€84,867/US$87,533).
The 41-year-old sold golf gear to customers during his time as national sales manager from August 2018 to June 2019. However, he is said to have used the cash to fund his gambling habits.
DiPierdomenico pleaded guilty at Melbourne County Court today (20 January) to obtaining property by deception. His bail has been extended to front court until a later date.
Former Kindred CEO invests in compliance start-up
In other news, former Kindred Group CEO Henrik Tjärnström has invested in compliance start-up Letzz.
Confirmed in a post on LinkedIn, Letzz said that the investment will enable it to “transform compliance”. Letzz launched last year with a focus on the igaming market.
Tjärnström spent almost 14 years as CEO of Kindred, stepping down in May of 2023. He also spent time as chief financial officer of the group.
“Throughout the years, Henrik has experienced first-hand the growing pains and consequences of getting compliance management wrong,” Letzz said. “This, in addition to his strategic foresight and acumen, makes him a great addition to the team.”
FanDuel confirms launch in Puerto Rico
FanDuel launched in Puerto Rico 16 January, bringing the total number of digital platforms in the US territory to three. BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook are also available.
Players in Puerto Rico will be able to place bets online via the FanDuel Sportsbook. The operator is also opening a new retail sportsbook in partnership with CAGE Puerto Rico II in San Juan.
Players aged 18 and over can place bets with FanDuel. All customers must sign up in person at the retail location to use the FanDuel Sportsbook app.
Puerto Rico becomes the 24th state or territory where FanDuel offers mobile sports betting.
