Australian Open 2014: Betting firm denies fixing as it hits back over British employee's 'courtsiding' charge The case was adjourned with Dobson told to stay at an unnamed Melbourne hotel and keep away from the Australian Open. There is no evidence linking Dobson, who could face up to 10 years in jail, or his employers with the more serious offence of match fixing, with his prosecution thought to be the first of its type worldwide. UK and Australian police have described courtsiding as illegal but Sporting Data Limited issued a statement on Thursday, which read: "Sporting Data has never been and never will be involved in any illegal betting or any other illegal activity whatsoever and take a serious view of any allegations that they have. The statement went on to describe the nature of Sporting Data's business, claiming the company provided data and services to clients who used that information to place bets. It admitted its employees provided that data from courtside - a breach of ticketing regulations at many sporting venues - but that those employees did not lay any bets themselves. It justified its approach by claiming it needed "the most up-to-date information" to remain competitive in "the tightest and most competitive environment there is."