There will be a slight increase in TAB services to Victorian racecourses following the signing of a new three-year agreement with Racing Victoria, but the deal is still less than ideal for clubs who are trying to attract crowds to race meetings.
The new deal will see TAB on-course services offered at 310 Victorian meetings each season, which equates to around 60 per cent of the meetings held in Victoria for the season.
The signing of the new agreement ends a period of industry-funded TAB services since December of last year when the last contract expired.
The industry ensured some 140 meetings had TAB services from last December through to the end of the season on July 31.
Under that industry funded model, there were an average of 17 race meetings per month in Victoria with TAB services, but that figure is set to rise to 25 meetings per month under the new arrangement.
Those services will see the TAB will provide betting services at all Victoria Racing Club, Melbourne Racing Club and Southside meetings, all Moonee Valley transferred meetings, all country and picnic cups, most Geelong meetings and a broad range of country feature meetings including Christmas party and holiday race days.
It’s envisaged the Bairnsdale Racing Club will only have on-course TAB services for its Melbourne and Bairnsdale Cup meetings, which will discourage patrons who like a bet and who don’t bet online, from attending, which is disappointing in these times of dwindling crowds.
Country Racing Victoria chief executive officer Scott Whiteman welcomed the new deal.
“Country Racing Victoria are delighted with the news that TAB are providing on-course services at all of our country cups, both professional and picnic meetings for the next three years,” Whiteman said.
Services will also be provided at many other feature race days, including the famous Warrnambool and Swan Hill Cup carnivals, which pleased Whiteman.
“On-course TAB (tote) facilities and operations have been part of the fabric of racing in country Victoria for decades, and we are keen to see that continue for many more. We’re thankful of the
support from all parties,” Whiteman said.
Bairnsdale Racing Club manager, Scott Ingram, suggested the decision on no TAB facilities is a complex issue, which has varied financial impact on the club.
“Obviously if we don’t have TAB facilities on the quieter days, we save money by not having to pay for the service, which isn’t always cost effective, but we also run the risk of losing members because they can’t bet on course with their cash,” Ingram said.
