Flutter cyber breach impacts Betfair customers

Global wagering giant Flutter Entertainment has been the target of a cybersecurity attack that has exposed the personal information of users across platforms, including betting exchange Betfair.

In a message to customers, Betfair says the hack penetrated Flutter’s exchange facility, accessing basic betting account details and some contact information.

Records of recent account activity and technical data, including device IDs and IP addresses, have also been stolen.

Betfair says passwords, ID documents or any usable card or payment details were not compromised.

“Flutter recently detected that an unauthorised third party had gained access to limited betting account information related to some of Flutter’s customers and Betfair’s customers,” the Betfair statement read.

“Immediately upon becoming aware of this incident, Flutter initiated a full investigation, supported by leading IT security experts, to terminate the unauthorised access, fully contain the threat and protect users of Flutter’s exchange platform. 

“Once the unauthorised access was removed and the incident fully contained, Flutter immediately launched a full evaluation of the affected information, with Flutter’s teams working to understand what customer information may have been involved.”  

“We are not aware that any … personal information involved in this incident has been misused.” 

Betfair’ global brand and platform is owned by Flutter, but its Australian operation is owned 100 per cent by Crown Resorts. Licences are in place to utilise the Flutter-powered Betfair platform   

Betfair says there is nothing that customers need to do in response to the attack but has urged account holders to remain vigilant and be wary of phone calls or emails seeking personal information.

“Be alert to emails asking you to click on links, download documents, or share your personal details. We also encourage you to remain vigilant by reviewing account statements and reporting anything suspicious to your financial institution,” it said.

Betfair’s commission creep increases pressure on punters and turnover

A small increase in the commission exchange punters pay on their winning bets is indicative of a much larger issue for customers, who are paying the price for the additional shackles being put on the wagering industry.

The StraightBren O’Brien

Customers have also been warned to be on alert for schemes where malicious actors may pretend to represent Flutter or Betfair, or who otherwise reference the breach for potential identity theft attempts.

“We note Flutter is implementing appropriate changes to prevent similar data incidents from occurring in the future,” Betfair said.

“We confirm that Betfair’s records have not been compromised and are securely held. Safeguarding and securing your personal information is of the utmost importance to us.”

Flutter is one of the largest wagering brands in the world, and it also counts Australian online bookmaker Sportsbet and US sportsbook FanDuel among its high-profile operations.

In 2024, its average monthly players around the world was almost $14 million.

As part of its strategic focus on the US, Flutter relocated its primary listing last year from the London Stock Exchange to the New York Stock Exchange.

Betfair to stop offering racing and sports markets in New Zealand

New Zealand punters will no longer be able to bet on racing and sports through Betfair from July 23.

The StraightThe Straight News Desk