By Hannah Ward

UK operator Star Sports has made its official Australian debut after receiving its operational Wagering and Betting Licence for the province of Victoria.  

The new development sees Star Sports expand away from its home nation, in an attempt to increase its brand recognition overseas. In January 2022, it was announced that the bookmaker would enter into a UK-based retail deal with affiliate organisation Spotlight Sports Group to deliver a daily informational print product covering the latest news in football and horseracing. 

Ben Keith, Owner of Star Sports, spoke on the Australian expansion, saying: “I am thrilled to be launching our Star Sports brand in Australia. With Shane at the helm, I have the utmost confidence in the team Down Under.  It was a lifelong ambition to trade at the prestigious Melbourne Cup and with great thanks to the Waterhouse family, it became a reality last year. We at Star Sports believe in bookmaking and are very excited to begin operating in Australia.”  

Shane Ciurleo, Star Sports’ General Manager in Australia, said: “I feel very fortunate to be given the opportunity to bring the Star Sports brand to life in Australia. Ben Keith and his team have built and maintained a wonderful brand in the UK, and I look forward to introducing the Australian market to the Star Sports brand ethos and values.”   

Earlier this week, 60 prominent Australian political figures each signed a document calling on the Prime Minister to ban gambling ads in the nation. Further, TheLotter Australia launched a new mobile app for international lottery access.