Regulator Clears Tabcorp Venue-Based In-Play Betting Trial

Australia’s communications watchdog has concluded that Tabcorp did not breach federal gambling rules with its Tap in-play wagering system, a decision that could support the company’s push to strengthen its retail betting network.

ACMA Rules Tap In-Play Service Complies With Betting Laws

The investigation conducted by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), examined whether the service conflicted with national restrictions on live online betting. Authorities determined that the product fits within a legal framework that allows wagering on live sporting events when bets are completed inside licensed venues, as reported by The Straight.

The Tap system allows customers to set up a live bet on their mobile device through the TAB application and then complete it by tapping their phone on a dedicated station at the betting venue. Regulators accepted that the need to interact with equipment at the premises meant the service qualified as a venue-based offering rather than a prohibited digital product.

Officials noted that this interpretation was not straightforward, as the model combines mobile technology with in-person infrastructure. However, after examining the law’s wording and intent, the regulator concluded that the service should be treated as compliant with the framework that governs retail betting.

Regulator Approval Opens Door to Tap Rollout

The decision may allow Tabcorp to expand the technology beyond its initial trial locations, though any wider rollout will still require approval from individual state and territory regulators. The authority stressed that its conclusion applies to the current configuration of the service and that ongoing oversight will continue if expansion proceeds.

Consumer protection measures were a key factor in the ruling. The regulator highlighted that the system incorporates continuous monitoring tools designed to flag risky gambling behavior in real time. Based on the findings, these safeguards were considered stronger than those associated with older electronic betting terminals.

At the same time, officials emphasized that live wagering has heightened risks for vulnerable customers. Because of this, the law limits such betting to environments where staff can observe patrons and intervene if necessary. Tabcorp will be required to provide updates on the monitoring system and report any incidents connected to the service’s use.

The positive ruling comes after the operator faced enforcement actionover separate instancesof unlawful online in-play betting.

Earlier this year, ACMA also sanctioned several betting operators, including Tabcorp, for failing to block customers registered with the national self-exclusion scheme BetStop. The investigation found weaknesses in identity checks and compliance systems, prompting financial penalties, mandatory audits, and remedial measures aimed at strengthening consumer protection across the sector.