Australians will now be able to access Star Sports after the UK bookie was given a betting license in the country. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

UK operator Star Sports has expanded to Australia after receiving a Wagering and Betting License from the province of Victoria.

The operator is well known in the UK and has a prominent presence on both racecourses and the high street, and the move will see the company attempt to further expand and diversify its operations. Racing expert Shane Ciurleo has been appointed as the General Manager for the country.

With Shane at the helm, I have the utmost confidence in the team Down Under.”

Star Sports owner Ben Keith spoke on the move, stating: “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.”

Ciurleo added: “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.”

The move comes amid increasing controversy in Australia over gambling, with discussions on a full advertising ban for the industry beginning to gain traction. Despite the scrutiny, it doesn’t seem to be putting off operators from making moves in the highly competitive and lucrative market down under.