Why online in-play sports betting is banned, and what is still allowed
Online in-play betting on sport is prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). The exception in our notes is a purely voice-based telephone bet. The rule is enforced by ACMA. Source: IGA compilation of 14 October 2024, s 8AA and s 5(3)(a), checked 13 November 2026. This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice.
The rule
Placing a sports bet online after the event has started is banned. Our reference notes give s 8AA and s 5(3)(a) for the prohibition and the phone exception, and s 10B as a related provision. Section references are checked against the text of the Act before we treat them as final.
ACMA administers the IGA and has taken action over it, as set out below.
Short answer: online in-play betting on sport is banned; a purely voice-based phone bet is the exception.
Who it applies to
Our sources describe the ban from the side of the provider: an operator that takes online in-play bets on sport commits a breach. The Tabcorp case below is of that kind.
We make no claim about racing here, because the sources we hold address sport. For the racing and sport differences, see racing versus sport betting.
What ACMA has done
| Date | Operator | Conduct | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-12 | Tabcorp | 426 online in-play tennis bets, February 2024 to June 2025 | A$158,400 and an enforceable undertaking |
ACMA described it as the third breach of the in-play rules by that operator since 2021. See ACMA actions in 2026.
What is still allowed
ACMA's overview, as read in our notes, treats these as legal with a state or territory licence:
- online sports betting before the event starts;
- horse, harness and greyhound racing bets.
Betting with an unlicensed operator is not allowed. Our page on illegal offshore bookmakers explains what ACMA says about those.
For operator pages we describe no live feature as available online. How to word such features is one of the questions on our list for a lawyer.
What we have not checked
- The text of s 8AA, s 5(3)(a) and s 10B in the current compilation.
- Whether the 2026 reforms changed the rule. See the Gambling Reform Act summary.
- How each operator describes in-play betting on its own pages.
More rule pages are in the licensing and legality hub.
18+ and where to get help
18+ only. Gambling can be harmful. Need help? Call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7) or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. To exclude yourself from licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers, register with BetStop at betstop.gov.au.
Sources: Interactive Gambling Act 2001, compilation of 14 October 2024; ACMA, About the Interactive Gambling Act; ACMA, Tabcorp penalty, 12 February 2026.
FAQ
Is online in-play betting on sport legal in Australia?
No. Our notes on the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) record it as prohibited. The exception is a purely voice-based telephone bet.
Which sections of the IGA apply?
Our reference notes give s 8AA, s 5(3)(a) and s 10B of the compilation dated 14 October 2024. We still have to check each against the text of the Act.
Has anyone been penalised?
Yes. On 12 February 2026 ACMA announced that Tabcorp paid A$158,400 for taking 426 online in-play bets on tennis between February 2024 and June 2025.
Is pre-match betting still allowed?
Per ACMA's overview, as read in our notes, online sports betting before the event and racing are legal with a state or territory licence.