Bet365, an Australian based online bookmaker is adding click to call wagering to their sports betting options. Click to Call wagering is currently under investigation by the Australian Federal Police due to the belief that it goes against betting regulations for live sports. The announcement of Bet365’s move came July 6, 2015, despite the controversy, the company decided to add the option to enhance the gaming experience for their customers.
Customers will call in using microphone devices attached to their computer. Once they click on call, the customer is connected with a bookmaker representative who will put the selected wager through the betting process. The customer must go through a series of questions and a final confirmation before any bet is considered “placed.”
Bet365 is not the only casino to use this software option. William Hill and Ladbrokes Australia already implemented the service. Both casinos state they are within Australian online betting regulations as set forth in the 2001 Australian Interactive Gambling Act.
UK operators have been using Click to Call since Fall 2014. They also believe it falls in the Interactive Gambling Act regulations. The audio link between the device and bookmakers is like a phone call wager, which under the law is acceptable.
The controversy and investigation stem from national operators who believe it is a breach of illegal gaming laws by increasing their market share to consumers. The Australian Communications and Media Authority have reviewed the process for a full month and recently had to hand over their information to the Federal Police. A special unit is in place for the Federal investigation.