Victorian Police say they are monitoring the Australian Open after a man was charged for illegal betting.

Detectives arrested the 22-year-old from the United Kingdom at Melbourne Park on Tuesday afternoon for courtsiding, a form of gambling that involves placing bets on point outcomes during a match from the side of the court.

Courtsiding is based on a spectator using a device to send information to a person at another location, who is able to place a bet on a particular “spot”, such as a serve.

The man has been bailed to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Deputy Commissioner Graham Ashton says police are watching others they believe may be involved in the practice.

“This year our intelligence says there are other people in Melbourne with the intention of courtsiding, so we’re keeping a close eye on the rest of the event,” he said.

“Certainly part of me standing here is to say to other people if you are in Melbourne and are thinking about engaging in it, think again.”

Victoria Police believe the man charged may be part of a syndicate.