Unibet launches in-play betting system in Australia
Unibet has become the latest overseas online gambling operator to launch an in-play betting system in Australia, despite ongoing uncertainty over the legality of such services.
Similar to services offered by rivals William Hill, Ladbrokes and Bet365, Unibet’s new offering pledges to allow punters in the country to place in-play wagers during live sports events.
The service will initially be made available via desktops that use the Chrome or Firefox browsers, with Unibet also planning to roll out the offering on its mobile application in the country.
Confirmation of the launch comes despite legal uncertainty over in-play betting in the country, with the Australian government yet to make a decision over the future of such activities.
The 2001 Interactive Gambling Act (IGA), which Australia is currently operating under, states that while bets on live games can be taken at retail outlets or over the phone, operators cannot offer this service via the internet.
However, some online brands are bypassing the system with a loophole by which they use voice-over-internet protocol (VOIP) technology to operate systems that allow punters to place bets by clicking a button and confirming the wager with an automated phone call.
The Australian government is currently considering a review of the IGA, which includes whether it will relax online in-play prohibition.
Several high-profile personnel, including Peter McGuaran, the chief executive of Racing Australia, have called for a blanket ban on in-play sports betting to help protect sporting integrity in the country.
Meanwhile, Unibet has become the first operator to go live with ‘BetUP’, a new in-play sports betting product from Commologic.
Live across Unibet’s desktop, mobile and tablet channels, the new service will be available in six markets where the firm is active, including the UK and Sweden.
The product pools players together to offer jackpots to punters who can predict a series of in-play propositions over the course of a live sports event.
Erik Bäcklund, head of sportsbook at Unibet, said: “So far, we are seeing a big interest across markets and have received very positive feedback around engagement and second screen experience.
“We evaluate new opportunities and products on a regular basis, with BetUp really standing out from the beginning.”
Tamir Berler, chief executive and founder of Commologic, added: “We understand that every sports betting operator wants to improve engagement and reach new demographics, so we are delighted to have gone live with BetUP, an innovative new product which does exactly that.”
Related article: Racing Australia chief calls for in-play betting ban