Tabcorp has been slapped with a AU$158,400 penalty after offering live bets on an event after it had started, breaching the country’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA).
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found the company accepted 426 in-play bets across 32 tennis matches between February 2024 and June 2025.
Bets refunded by Tabcorp
Reports suggest Tabcorp have already paid the fines and refunded the bets, with ACMA accepting the evidence from the company that the breaches occurred due to systems and communication issues with its third-party provider.
Despite the rapid resolution, it marks the third time in recent months the operator has been found to have violated online betting rules.
In January, ACMA also penalized Tabcorp AU$112,680 for failing to fully comply with BetStop self-exclusion requirements, after identifying weaknesses in its processes that allowed self-excluded individuals to access services.
Separately, in 2025 Tabcorp was fined AU$4 million for breaching Australia’s Spam Act after sending more than 5,700 unlawful marketing messages to customers in its VIP program, adding to concerns about the company’s compliance controls.
Tabcorp declined to comment further when contacted.
ACMA reiterates rules to Tabcorp
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood shared her concern at the length of time it took for Tabcorp to establish the problem and then fix it.
In a press release, she said: “The law is clear and wagering services must have processes in place to prevent illegal in-play bets from being accepted. While we understand that most wagering operators rely on third-party providers to close betting on sporting events, they cannot outsource their legal responsibilities,
“The length of time it took Tabcorp to identify and then fix the problem was concerning and we expect Tabcorp to do better in the future.”
As part of the punishment, Tabcorp has agreed to participate in a comprehensive review regarding “its systems and processes relating to the closing of betting on tennis matches”, the Tabcorp press release added.
Under the act, it is illegal for operators to offer online in-play betting on sporting events that are already in progress. This is treated as “interactive gambling” and is prohibited to protect consumers and limit impulsive wagering.
The organization also warned any further infractions could see legal proceedings through the Federal Court.
Fines come as Betmakers takeover collapses
BetMakers Technology Group said takeover talks with Tabcorp have ended after early-stage discussions failed to progress. The Australian Financial Review reported the talks began in December, with Tabcorp exploring a deal to accelerate its technology transformation. No formal offer was made.
In a statement, BetMakers confirmed it was approached regarding a potential change-of-control transaction but said discussions were “preliminary and informal”, adding: “While those discussions were at an early stage and highlighted opportunities for BetMakers’ wagering technology products, no formal offer was received and discussions have ceased.
They confirmed the company will continue to supply wagering technology and content services to Tabcorp’s racing and media operations
Sources told the Review Tabcorp saw BetMakers’ technology as a way to enhance its internal platform, generate synergies and expand its global B2B ambitions. BetMakers recently acquired Las Vegas Dissemination Company and extended its U.S. partnership with Penn Entertainment.
The talks came as Tabcorp reported improved 2025 results, including an 11.8% rise in revenue to AU$2.61 billion and a return to profit.
Tabcorp reveals media review
Tabcorp has launched a procurement-led review of its media planning and buying account, currently handled by OMD (part of the global Omnicom Media Group), which has worked with the wagering operator for more than 30 years. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued this week, according to industry reports. Tabcorp spent AU$127.5 million on advertising and promotions in FY25, up 14% year-on-year.
The company has also worked with agencies including Accenture Song and Bastion on brand strategy and creative. Bastion developed Tabcorp’s latest “Shout” campaign. One agency executive familiar with the review said Tabcorp’s expectations were “unrealistic,” suggesting profitability could be challenging for agencies.
The review comes amid broader internal changes under CEO Gillon McLachlan, appointed last year. Former Paramount ANZ executive Jarrod Villani joined as chief commercial and media officer, while Tabcorp implemented a zero-based cost model that eliminated about 230 roles in FY25.
The move also unfolds against regulatory uncertainty around gambling advertising. While the Anthony Albanese government has yet to implement recommendations to phase out online gambling ads, pressure is mounting for tighter restrictions
Taken together, the fine, the collapsed takeover talks and the media review underscore a pivotal period for Tabcorp as it seeks to modernize its operations while navigating heightened regulatory scrutiny.
Although the company has returned to profit and is pursuing strategic transformation under new leadership, repeated compliance breaches risk overshadowing that progress.
With ACMA warning that further infractions could lead to Federal Court action, Tabcorp now faces mounting pressure to demonstrate that its systems, governance and controls are fit for purpose in an increasingly regulated wagering environment.
