A man has been charged for “courtsiding” at the Australian Open, with police alleging he placed bets on point outcomes during a match.
The 22-year-old UK man was arrested after a match on Tuesday afternoon.
Police allege the man engaged in courtsiding, a form of court-side betting that involves placing bets on point outcomes throughout a match.
Deputy Commissioner Graham Ashton said this sort of activity was illegal in Victoria.
“Victoria now has specific legislation that covers offences related to cheating at gambling,” Mr Ashton said.
The offences include engaging in conduct that corrupts a betting outcome, facilitating conduct that could corrupt a betting outcome and use of corrupt conduct information for betting purposes.
The penalties for the offences are up to 10 years in jail.
The man has been charged with one count of engaging in conduct that would corrupt a betting outcome.
He was released on bail to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday.