Top gambling operators William Hill and Ladbrokes are about to be under investigation by the Australian Federal Police due to allegations of both companies breaking local gambling laws. According to reports first revealed by The Australian, the two companies may be facing multi-million dollar fines if they are found guilty of breaching specific gaming laws.

It is believed that both companies has breached the ban in place for live betting in Australia. Last month, allegations of both firms taking bets online surfaced. The companies were reportedly allowing customers to keep their microphone on at the computer to try and stay in compliance with the live betting requirements. The current law is that a live bet cannot be taking during a sporting event unless the wager is made via telephone.

Several complaints were sent to the Australian Communications and Media Authority about this method of live wagering and the regulator then referred to the federal police for assistance. Both Ladbrokes and William Hill entered Australia in 2013 and have signed several sponsorships of sporting clubs. The sports books seem to be the only operators who have tried to work about the live gaming ban.

The current regulations state that any breach of the live betting act can result in a fine as high as $1.7 million a day. The directors, employees and suppliers of the company can also face jail time for their actions.