Australian regulator fines Tabcorp over in-play bet breach
Australia’s gambling regulator has again taken action against Tabcorp Holdings Limited, not only for breaching in-play betting rules but for failing to detect the issue for more than a year. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) fined the operator AU$158,000 (US$112,600) after finding it had accepted hundreds of prohibited online in-play bets on tennis matches. The case places renewed focus on how wagering operators monitor live betting systems and third-party technology providers.
More than a year before issue was fixed
The ACMA investigation found that Tabcorp accepted 426 online in-play bets across 32 tennis matches between February 2024 and June 2025. Under Australian law, licensed bookmakers cannot offer online in-play betting on sporting events. Customers may only place such bets over the telephone.
The regulator said the breaches continued for an extended period before Tabcorp identified and corrected the problem. The duration of the issue formed a key part of the regulator’s concern.
This marks the third time since 2021 that Tabcorp has breached Australia’s in-play betting restrictions.
Systems failure linked to third-party provider
Tabcorp told the ACMA that the breaches occurred due to “systems and communications issues” involving a third-party provider responsible for managing betting markets.
Many wagering operators rely on external technology suppliers to suspend markets during live sporting events. However, the ACMA made clear that responsibility for compliance remains with the licensed operator.
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood stated that operators cannot transfer legal accountability to service providers.
“While we understand that most wagering operators rely on third-party providers to close betting on sporting events, they cannot outsource their legal responsibilities,” she said.
The regulator also noted that the time taken to identify and resolve the problem raised compliance concerns.
Enforceable undertaking signals ongoing oversight
Beyond the financial penalty, Tabcorp has entered into an enforceable undertaking with the ACMA. Under this agreement, the company must conduct a comprehensive review of its processes and systems relating specifically to tennis betting markets.
Tabcorp is required to report regularly to the regulator on the progress of improvements and compliance controls. The ACMA stated that failure to meet these obligations could lead to proceedings in the Federal Court.
An enforceable undertaking is a formal, legally binding commitment. It allows the regulator to monitor corrective actions while retaining the option of court enforcement if necessary.
ACMA blocks 7 gambling sites
Earlier, the ACMA intensified its crackdown on illegal gambling operations and ordered internet service providers (ISPs) to block unlicensed online gambling sites that were found to be breaching national law.
The latest sites added to the block list included Crown Gold, Maxispin Casino, Rain.gg, Didibet, LuckyBet, Malina Casino, and Spins of Glory, all of which were found to be operating in violation of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
In its official release, the ACMA confirmed that the blocking requests were made after investigations found these websites offering services to Australians without a valid licence. The regulator stated that website blocking was one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling.
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