Tabcorp launches One Pool in bid to revive tote betting in Australia
Tabcorp has merged NSW TAB, SuperTAB and UniTAB into a single national tote pool.
Key takeaways:
- Tabcorp has merged NSW TAB, SuperTAB and UniTAB into One Pool, the first national Australian pari-mutuel pool in 70 years.
- Tabcorp expects deeper liquidity and more stable pricing, particularly in smaller midweek races.
- It plans variable takeout rates, sports pool betting and eventual wholesale access for rival bookmakers.
Australia.- Tabcorp has launched One Pool, the first national Australian pari-mutuel pool in 70 years. One Pool merges Australia’s three tote betting systems, NSW TAB, SuperTAB and UniTAB, into a single national pool as the operator seeks to rebuild the appeal of pari-mutuel wagering. The move creates a single liquidity platform ahead of planned changes to pricing, promotions and the expansion of pool betting beyond racing.
Tote betting has faced a long-term decline. One Pool is intended to serve as a foundation for modernisation. “We don’t expect huge amounts of growth, but what we have done is create a platform that we can grow on,” said Tabcorp Chief Wagering Officer Michael Fitzsimons, describing the launch as “base camp” for a broader overhaul over the next 18 months.
Tabcorp said benefits will include deeper liquidity and more stable pricing, which will be most noticeable during smaller midweek races where low pool sizes previously led to odds fluctuations. Tabcorp plans to roll out variable takeout rates based on field sizes, introduce pool betting to sports like AFL and NRL, and eventually offer wholesale access to rival bookmakers.
Tabcorp Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said: “The product needs to be competitive, compelling and fun. For it to succeed, punters need to see value in the offering, and we’re confident that better liquidity, bigger pools and more stable pricing will go a long way to achieving that.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What is Tabcorp’s One Pool? One Pool is a national pari-mutuel betting pool created by merging NSW TAB, SuperTAB and UniTAB.
- How will One Pool affect tote betting odds? The larger combined pools are expected to provide deeper liquidity and more stable pricing, particularly in smaller midweek races where low turnover previously caused bigger fluctuations.
- What changes does Tabcorp plan after launching One Pool? Tabcorp plans to introduce variable takeout rates based on field sizes, expand pool betting into AFL and NRL, and eventually provide wholesale access to rival bookmakers.
- Why did Tabcorp merge Australia’s tote pools? The merger is intended to address the long-term decline of traditional tote betting as fixed-odds bookmakers have gained market share while creating a platform for future product development.
