UK Bookmaker Star Sports Expands Operations to Australia

UK-based bookmaker Star Sports has officially launched its operations in Australia after securing a Wagering and Betting License from Victoria. Known for its strong presence in the UK betting scene, Star Sports has now expanded its reach to the Australian market, marking a significant milestone for the company.

Star Sports, originally established in 1999 as Star Racing, has grown into a prominent name in the betting industry, offering a range of interactive betting services across desktop, mobile, and tablet platforms, as well as through telephone betting and physical betting shops. The company, owned and founded by Ben Keith, is also a key sponsor of UK horse racing events and currently sponsors the English Greyhound Derby at Towcester.

The expansion into Australia will be led by Shane Ciurleo, who has been appointed as the General Manager for Star Sports in the region. In a statement, Ciurleo expressed his enthusiasm about the new role, saying, “I feel very fortunate to be given the opportunity to bring the Star Sports brand to life in Australia. Ben Keith and his team have built and maintained a wonderful brand in the UK, and I look forward to introducing the Australian market to the Star Sports brand ethos and values.”

Ben Keith shared his excitement about the expansion, saying, “I am thrilled to be launching our Star Sports brand in Australia. With Shane at the helm, I have the utmost confidence in the team Down Under. It was a lifelong ambition to trade at the prestigious Melbourne Cup, and with great thanks to the Waterhouse family, it became a reality last year. We at Star Sports believe in bookmaking and are very excited to begin operating in Australia.”

Star Sports has made significant strides in the UK, with a strong presence at major racecourses such as Newbury and Ascot, and operating around 150 days a year in horse racing and greyhound racing. The company has also expanded its online app capabilities and increased its retail footprint, further solidifying its position in the betting industry.