Sportingbet returns in Australia

The Stars Group’s recently acquired majority share in CrownBet appears to have set in train the return to Australia of the famous and respected Sportingbet brand.

Sportingbet was one of the country’s leading online sportsbooks before being shut down in 2013 following its acquisition by William Hill, however the name looks certain to be rejuvenated by CrownBet CEO Matthew Tripp, whose father Alan once owned the Sportingbet brand. Matthew Tripp subsequently launched the similarly named Sportsbet in 2005 before selling the company to Irish betting giant Paddy Power in 2011.

The Stars Group acquired a 62% stake in CrownBet Holdings in February, and increased its stake to 80% in April. It has also acquired William Hill Australia.

After completing the CrownBet acquisition, The Stars Group chief executive Rafi Ashkenazi said: “We are excited to enter the regulated Australian sportsbook market with CrownBet.
“CrownBet has become one of the fastest growing online sportsbooks in Australia through its strong management team, proprietary technology, mobile app, unique partnerships and market-leading loyalty programme.”