Entain caught up in fast codes class action

The class action launched by Maurice Blackburn into the legality of the use of fast codes to facilitate in-play sports betting has extended to Entain’s Ladbrokes and Neds brand.

The law firm had initially launched a class action against Sportsbet, with punters who used the fast code service to play losing in-play bets between December 2018 and December 2024 automatically included in the action unless they specifically opted out.

That complaint was brought by Jeremy Bergman but is now likely to involve thousands of people.

It would be a similar situation for Entain, which introduced a fast code service in March 2019.      

“The class action relates to in-play bets (also known as live bets) made on sporting events using the Neds or Ladbrokes Fast Code service,” the statement from Maurice Blackburn said.

“The class action alleges that the Fast Code service is illegal. It seeks compensation for anyone who made a losing in-play bet on a sporting event using the service through Neds or Ladbrokes between 4 March 2019 and 4 March 2025.”

The notice said that anyone who made one or more losing in-play bets on a sporting event using the Neds or Ladbrokes Fast Code service between March 4, 2019 and March 4, 2025, and you lost more money than they won would be part of the action.

“An in-play bet is one made after the beginning of a sporting event. The class action does not include bets placed on racing (horse, harness or greyhound) events,” the notice read.

Those who are part of the class action could be eligible for compensation if the case is successful.

Entain has confirmed it will defend the action and has launched its own counter claim, which could mean that punters may be forced to return winnings should the court determine that the fast codes were not legal.

Under the Interactive Gambling Act, placing a wager on a sporting event after it has commenced is unlawful in Australia, unless the bet is made by telephone.

In the Sportsbet case, it was alleged it had engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct by representing that the product was legal, breaching its fast code service terms and conditions.

In the initial claim surrounding the Sportsbet case, lodged by Maurice Blackburn in December 2024, Bergman has claimed he lost $2307 using the fast codes service between August 2019 and December 2021. It is believed he is the lead plaintiff again in the Entain case, but his losses were much less.