Media Statements - Minister: Crosscode betting, new phone bet limits in racing changes

17/10/00

The minimum bookmaker telephone betting limits for country racing events are to be halved under amendments to the Betting Control Regulations 1978.

The amendments also remove restrictions on crosscode totalisator betting.

The changes will come into effect immediately.

Racing and Gaming Minister Norman Moore said that under the new regulations, bookmakers fielding on country race meetings would be able to accept minimum bets of $100 or a bet to win $1,000 compared with the previous limits of $200 and $2,000.

“This change brings Western Australia into line with the limits applying to bookmaker telephone betting on country events in most other States,” the Minister said.

He said the existing limits for metropolitan racing would remain for the time being to provide an opportunity for them to be considered as part of the proposed review of the racing industry in WA. The review is aimed at ensuring the viability and long-term future of the racing industry in WA.

Mr Moore also said that removing the restrictions on crosscode totalisator betting was another move to provide a better service to race day patrons.

The change would overcome previous restrictions which prevented patrons attending greyhound and country trotting events held simultaneously with a metropolitan or provincial thoroughbred race meeting from accessing a full, on-course totalisator service in relation to that thoroughbred meeting.

Mr Moore has previously announced another interim measure to amend the Totalisator Agency Board Betting Act 1960 in the current session of State Parliament to:

fix the annual distribution of the first $50 million of Totalisator Agency Board profits to the Western Australian Turf Club, the Western Australian Trotting Association and the Western Australian Greyhound Racing Authority in the ratio of: WATC, 55.26 per cent; WATA, 29.76 per cent, WAGRA, 14.98 per cent;

distribute the TAB profits in excess of $50 million in such a manner and subject to such conditions as the Minister directs; and -

prescribe the purposes for which monies paid by Ministerial direction to thoroughbred, trotting and greyhound racing clubs may be used.

Mr Moore said he hoped to announce the members of the Racing Industry Review Committee soon.

He would ask the committee to report as soon as practicable. He hoped this would be within 12 months.

The Minister said there were a number of issues confronting the racing industry which would have a significant impact on its future.

“The privatisation of the TABs in the Eastern States, technology, product delivery mechanisms and social trends all impact on the racing industry,” he said.

“The future of bookmakers and their contribution, particularly in regard to the issue of their minimum bet limit for telephone bets, has to be addressed.

“Inter and intra-code distribution of TAB profits, together with the contribution Government receives from the racing industry, are also critical issues.”

Media contact:
Hartley Joynt, Minister’s office 9321 1444