Entain Accused of Circumventing Ban on Live Betting in Australia

^{Pictured: Stella David, CEO of Entain}

Entain has been accused of circumventing a ban on live betting in Australia, The Straight reported. A class action lawsuit has been filed against the gambling group, targeting its Australian brands Ladbrokes and Neds.

The claims centre on the Fast Code feature, which allows users during a match to obtain a specific code — for example from a broadcast — and enter it on a website or mobile app to quickly place a bet. According to the plaintiffs, this mechanism effectively enables online live betting.

Australian law prohibits bets on sporting events after they have started unless they are made by telephone. Plaintiffs argue Fast Code was used to bypass this restriction.

The lawsuit was filed by law firm Maurice Blackburn and covers users who placed in-play bets via Fast Code on the Ladbrokes and Neds platforms between March 4, 2019 and March 4, 2025. They are seeking compensation for losses.

The number of potential claimants could reach into the thousands. Maurice Blackburn has previously filed a similar case against bookmaker Sportsbet.

Entain said it would contest the lawsuit. The company added that, if the service is ultimately found to be unlawful, customers could be required to return previously paid winnings.

Gambling Park earlier reported that Entain faces a multi-million-dollar penalty in Australia for violations of anti-money laundering laws.