TAB: New Zealand's Premier Wagering Service
The TAB serves as the primary revenue engine for the NZ Racing Board, providing a comprehensive ecosystem for sports and racing enthusiasts across New Zealand. By offering a diverse array of betting products and accessible wagering channels, the TAB supports the sustainability of various racing and sporting codes throughout the country.
Key Facts
- Operates approximately 675 retail outlets nationwide.
- Services over 170,000 account holders via digital and phone channels.
- Returns just over 80% of the totalisator betting dollar to customers.
- Covers 31 different sporting codes for fixed-odds betting.
- Launched the world's first government-run totalisator service in 1951.
Wagering Channels and Accessibility
To ensure maximum accessibility, the TAB utilizes a multi-channel approach. Customers can place bets through a national network of retail outlets and social venues, as well as on-course Tote Terminals located directly at racetracks. For those preferring remote options, the TAB provides a dedicated website, mobile applications for iOS and Android, a Touch Tone phone service, and specialized call centers.
Betting Products and Mechanics
The TAB offers two primary types of wagering: totalisator (tote) betting and fixed-odds betting. In totalisator betting, the odds fluctuate based on the amount of money pooled on each runner or team, with the payout determined by the final pool size.
Totalisator Betting Options
Since pioneering the government-run tote in 1951, the TAB has expanded its offerings to include:
- Standard Bets: Win, place, and each way.
- Complex Bets: Poker and All Up bets.
- Easybets: Computer-selected runners weighted toward favorites.
- Percentage Betting: A feature designed to reduce the cost of placing a bet.
Fixed-Odds and Sports Betting
Introduced in 1996, fixed-odds betting allows customers to lock in a specific payout regardless of how other bets are placed. This system covers 31 sporting codes, ranging from global fixtures in soccer, cricket, and rugby football to niche events like sheep shearing. Available products include head-to-head, winning team and margin, and half/full-time doubles.
Fixed-odds options are also extended to racing through Final Field and Futures books.
International Expansion and Partnerships
The TAB has significantly broadened its horizons through international partnerships. In June 2007, the commingling—the merging of betting pools from different regions—of the Australian Super TAB and the New Zealand totalisator pools allowed customers to access Australian racing products. This agreement with Tabcorp was later extended to include Australian wagering on New Zealand racing.
Beyond Australia, the TAB now facilitates betting on selected races from several global hubs, including England, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and the United States.
Operational Challenges and History
Despite its success, the TAB has faced various operational hurdles. In August 2011, the organization was the subject of a spam complaint filed with the Department of Internal Affairs. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic created significant financial pressure; on May 26, 2020, the TAB announced the redundancy of 230 staff members, representing approximately 30% of its workforce.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Retail Presence | ~675 Outlets |
| Account Holders | 170,000+ |
| Tote Return Rate | >80% to customers |
| Sports Covered | 31 Codes |
| Global Reach | Australia, USA, UK, Hong Kong, Japan, France, Singapore |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the TAB support New Zealand sports?
A proportion of every betting dollar placed on a sporting code is returned to that specific New Zealand sporting code, helping to fund and sustain the sport.
What is the difference between totalisator and fixed-odds betting?
Totalisator betting involves a pool where odds change based on the volume of bets placed, while fixed-odds betting allows the bettor to agree on a set payout at the time the bet is made.
Which international racing markets can I bet on through the TAB?
Customers can bet on races from Australia, America, England, Hong Kong, Japan, France, and Singapore.
What are Easybets?
Easybets are a totalisator product where the computer selects the runners for the user, with the selection process weighted toward the favorites.
How has the TAB adapted to digital wagering?
The TAB has expanded beyond retail shops to include a website, dedicated Android and iOS mobile apps, and a Touch Tone phone service to accommodate over 170,000 account holders.