Illegal offshore gambling operators are using the Australian Open to market their unlicensed services, raising alarms from Australian regulators and sports experts. These sites are not protected by Australian law, and players risk losing money without guarantees of withdrawal. Vegastars, one such offshore e-casino, offered front row tickets to a night session at Rod Laver Arena and a $500 flight voucher. This promotion used the Australian Open logo, but the tournament has no connection to the giveaway. Australian Instagram users engaged heavily, with 2,500 accounts commenting. At least three other unlicensed sites also used the tournament's branding, and ten more promoted Australian Open-themed offers. Local law bans offshore gambling firms from encouraging Australian consumers to gamble. Vegastars' promotion avoided betting mention, but Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) states that such giveaways by Australian companies aren’t allowed. RWA CEO Kai Cantwell said, "The fact this is happening openly during Australia’s biggest sporting events shows how far enforcement is lagging behind the reality of offshore gambling." The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) monitors illegal sites and can order internet providers to block them. ACMA declared Vegastars illegal and will seek to block the site. It is investigating other companies identified by Guardian Australia. Vegastars' website tells users: "Depositing 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." Rainbet, another offshore operator, used Australian influencer Jon Redman in a popular Instagram video to advertise live betting. ACMA warned against such promotions and is investigating Redman’s role. The video was removed after contact from Guardian Australia. ACMA says website blocks have been effective, cutting off 220 illegal services on 1,455 sites since 2019. Consumer advocate Lauren Levin suggests blocking payments to unlicensed providers, as done in Germany and Norway, would be a stronger solution than simply blocking URLs. Australians lost an estimated $32 billion gambling in 2023-24, with $3.9 billion spent offshore. Vegastars and Rainbet were contacted for comment but did not respond.