Australian Sports Entertainment

Monday, January 19, 2009

Betting watch, by Leo Schlink - Herald Sun - 19th January 2009

Online betting leader Betfair will operate at Melbourne Park during the next two weeks, but there won't be any on-site Australian Open gambling.

Betfair, the Open's official sports betting operator, will have an outlet on the grounds.

The company will use the centre to sign new clients and provide education on its products.

The Australian Open has some of the strictest anti-corruption laws in tennis.

Any player, coach or official found guilty of illegal tennis gambling faces a life ban.

The Open's anti-corruption code also includes heavy fines or expulsion from the tournament if players fail to report evidence of suspicious behaviour related to gambling.

The tournament is a foundation member of the newly formed Tennis Integrity Unit, created to stamp out gambling cheats.

Players have been encouraged to use a 24-hour hotline if they see any evidence of illegal gambling or hear anything suspicious concerning match-fixing.

Tennis Australia has employed a former senior detective to lead the efforts.

These include a ban on accessing any betting websites in the players' areas at the event, while fans will not be allowed to use laptops in the stands. (Credit: Herald Sun)

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