Match-fixing suspicions raised at Australian Open after site stops bets on match

A major sports gambling website suspended betting on a doubles match yesterday (Sunday 25th January) at the Australian Open, raising suspicions of match fixing at one of the world's most prestigious tennis tournaments.

The New York Times reported that Pinnacle Sports, one of the world’s largest betting websites, suspended betting on a match after large amounts of money were poured on a normally obscure contest.

Marco Blume, the head of sportsbook at Pinnacle, said nearly all the money came down on one side, which he said was an indication that the match might be fixed.

Blume explained that about 13 hours before the match was set to begin, Pinnacle's traders suspended betting on it. He then notified Victoria Police of possible irregularities.

Blume told the New York Times "we saw a small number of people placing a large amount of money”, adding “in context these matches are rather small.

“That means that any aggressive betting behaviour is very easy to detect on our side."

Blume said Pinnacle had seen no such betting behaviour for any other match at this Australian Open.

Tennis Australia has issued a statement explained that it "along with the other governing bodies of tennis, will continue to work closely with the relevant police authorities and the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) in regard to integrity matters.

"The TIU has again confirmed today that it is its policy to review and investigate every allegation of corruption in tennis."

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