The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has fined Tabcorp Holdings AU$158,400 for taking online in-play sports bets in breach of federal gambling laws. An ACMA investigation found that Tabcorp accepted 426 in-play wagers across 32 tennis matches over a 16-month period, despite online in-play betting being explicitly prohibited in Australia.
The breach occurred between February 2024 and June 2025 and contravened the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, which bans betting on a sporting event once it has started. Tabcorp voided all affected bets and issued refunds to customers.
The regulator said it accepted Tabcorp’s evidence that the errors stemmed from systems and communication failures involving a third-party provider. However, ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood stressed that wagering operators remain fully accountable for ensuring compliance.
“This is the third time since 2021 that Tabcorp has breached in-play betting rules,” Ms Lidgerwood said. “The law is clear and wagering services must have processes in place to prevent illegal in-play bets from being accepted. While many operators rely on external providers, they cannot outsource their legal responsibilities.”
She added that the length of time it took Tabcorp to identify and rectify the issue was “concerning” and called on the operator to improve its oversight of betting-closure systems.
Beyond the financial penalty, Tabcorp has also entered into a comprehensive enforceable undertaking. As part of this commitment, the company must conduct a full review of its systems governing the closure of betting on tennis matches and report to the ACMA on its progress.
The authority warned that any further violations could lead to Federal Court action.
Online in-play betting has long been prohibited in Australia under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001
