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Offshore gambling operators are using the Australian Open<\/a> to promote their illegal services, sparking calls for sweeping bans on the unlicensed websites.<\/p>\n Australian regulators<\/a> and sporting professionals<\/a> have expressed rising concern at the growth of offshore sites, where gamblers are not protected by Australian consumer law and have no guarantee they can withdraw their winnings.<\/p>\n One unlicensed offshore e-casino, Vegastars, has offered a giveaway of front row tickets to a night session of the tournament at Rod Laver Arena and a $500 flight voucher.<\/p>\n Australian Instagram users were among the 2,500 accounts to comment on Vegastars\u2019 promotional post, which featured the Australian Open logo even though the tournament is not affiliated with the promotion.<\/p>\n Sign up: AU Breaking News email<\/sub><\/a><\/p>\n At least three more unlicensed sites have used the championship\u2019s logo and photos of tennis stars in their social media promotions, while another 10 have advertised Australian Open-themed promotions online.<\/p>\n Offshore gambling companies are banned from encouraging local consumers to gamble. Vegastars\u2019 promotion did not mention betting, but the local peak body has said Australian companies would not be permitted to run such a giveaway.<\/p>\n Sportsbet, Bet365, Betfair, PointsBet and Unibet are represented by Responsible Wagering Australia<\/a> (RWA). Its chief executive, Kai Cantwell, said branding and giveaways could mislead consumers into believing offshore platforms were legal.<\/p>\n \u201cThe fact this is happening openly during Australia\u2019s biggest sporting events shows how far enforcement is lagging behind the reality of offshore gambling,\u201d Cantwell said.<\/p>\n The gaming regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (Acma), can ask internet service providers to block website access to unlicensed gambling services.<\/p>\n An Acma spokesperson said the regulator had found Vegastars was illegal and would request the site be blocked. It said it would also investigate each company identified by Guardian Australia.<\/p>\n The Vegastars website tells players: \u201cDepositing real funds and playing for real money is subject to the laws of your country, and it is your sole responsibility to abide by your native regulations.\u201d<\/p>\n Another offshore operator, Rainbet, has featured in an Instagram video promoting its live in-play betting by Australian influencer Jon Redman, which has been viewed more than 40,000 times.<\/p>\n