Australian operator Tabcorp has been given the green light by the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) to launch its “Tap in-play” service in its physical locations.

The feature will allow bettors at Tabcorp bookmakers in a land-based venue to use their TAB app to create an in-play bet, before tapping on to a station in the location and placing the bet legally. 

The idea was approved by Liquor & Gaming NSW and a trial commenced with two licensed venues, before a rollout to a further 18.

The ACMA, which has been hot on the heels of Tabcorp recently, has now approved the rollout nationwide. This comes less than two weeks after the Melbourne-based business was fined AU$158,400 (£82,000) by the authority after breaching the country’s in-play betting rules for the third time since 2021. 

The company provided evidence that the fault lay with its third party provider but it has now had to enter into a comprehensive enforceable undertaking, meaning it will have to review its systems and processes and report regularly to the ACMA.

A month before, the business was again fined for breaching self-exclusion rules in 2024 but its “Tap in-play” service has been given the go-ahead. 

Tabcorp to bang the drum?

With the firm now finding a way to open more avenues for in-play betting in Australia, it begs the question as to whether a more concentrated push will occur for further potential in-play betting in the country. 

Many jurisdictions allow the use of in-play betting and it has become a popular market for bettors, particularly in countries such as the UK and others in Western Europe. 

An Optimove study from January 2025, which examined data from 3.79 million sportsbook bettors across the US, UK, Greece, Italy and Spain, found that 54% of all bets were placed live.

Many Australian operators would surely welcome the legalisation of in-play betting entirely, but it is yet to be seen whether the relevant authorities will change their current stance on the matter.