Tabcorp has signed a five-year agreement with Australian Venue Co (AVC), securing more than 100 hotels for its retail wagering network while its revised venue model continues to face resistance from some pub operators.
The agreement covers TAB betting services and Sky Racing content. It will also expand Tabcorp’s MAX gaming services arrangement across AVC venues in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.
AVC operates more than 200 pubs, bars and hospitality venues across Australia, making the agreement one of the largest group deals completed under Tabcorp’s retail restructuring.
Tabcorp said approximately 3,300 pubs and clubs have accepted its new retail arrangements, while around 200 chose not to renew.
The operator had asked approximately 3,700 venues to enter replacement commercial agreements from 1 July.
The model forms part of a AU$50m (US$32.8m) retail investment covering promotions, upgraded odds displays and the installation of Next Gen betting terminals.
Tabcorp is seeking to connect venue activity more closely with digital betting, with in-venue digital turnover reportedly recording double-digit growth.
Tabcorp Chief Commercial and Media Officer, Jarrod Villani, said: “To date, we’ve seen double-digit, digital in-venue turnover growth across our network.”
The rollout has drawn opposition from Comiskey Group, which removed TAB facilities from its Queensland hotels after rejecting the five-year terms.
The operator said the agreement would reduce commissions, increase venue costs and transfer some responsibility for regulatory penalties.
Tabcorp disputes those claims and said it held 14 months of discussions with venue operators.
The dispute has also raised questions over racing visibility in pubs if more venues remove betting terminals and Sky Racing coverage.
Tabcorp retains a significant physical advantage over digital-only competitors through its national network, although the revised contracts test how much value venue operators place on retail wagering.
Negotiations remain underway with ALH Group, which operates more than 300 venues and has continued providing TAB services while the parties seek an agreement.
The AVC deal also broadens the reach of MAX, Tabcorp’s gaming monitoring and technical services division. MAX supports gaming equipment across more than 8,000 Australian locations, while its financial contribution has continued to grow. Integrity Services revenue rose 4.1% during the first half of the 2026 financial year, with EBITDA reaching AU$36m.
In June, Tabcorp partnered with Dazn to introduce the WorldPlay football prediction platform across Australia and four European markets, extending its product strategy beyond conventional wagering.
Tabcorp has introduced its TAB Live in-venue sports betting product in New South Wales and Victoria following regulatory approval in both states
