Private schools’ sports caught up as betting site shut down

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is investigating a pop-up betting site which offered odds on sporting contests between Melbourne’s top private schools.

Nine media is reporting that apsbet.xyz had been taking bets on Australian rules football, rugby and soccer competitions involving Associated Public Schools (APS) for several weeks.

While authorities were made aware of its existence last week, the site was shut down on Monday, as ACMA launches an investigation into the likelihood it was an unlicensed operator.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission is also looking into the betting site as it had banned gambling on any sport where there are minors participating.

No licensed wagering operators in Australia offer odds on school sporting contests.

In a statement published in The Age, APS acting chair Ross Featherston, who is also the headmaster of Brighton Grammar, said the group was seeking answers.

“The APS does not condone, in any way, this site,” Featherston said. “The APS wishes for the immediate removal of this site and has been actively addressing this matter since becoming aware of the site last Thursday.”

The 11 schools in APS are Brighton Grammar School, Carey Grammar School, Caulfield Grammar School, The Geelong College, Geelong Grammar School, Haileybury, Melbourne Grammar School, St. Kevin’s College, Scotch College, Wesley College and Xavier College.