By Ian Neubauer
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a draft paper proposing the authorisation of certain provisions of a SuperTAB agreement between Tabcorp and TOTE Tasmania.
Tabcorp is the host of the SuperTAB pool, which pools bets placed through TOTE Tasmania and other totalisators—computerised systems that calculate payoff odds and produce tickets based on incoming bets.
“The ACCC considers certain provisions of the agreement may generate some public detriment," said ACCC acting chairperson, Louise Sylvan. "Among other things, the agreement prevents TOTE Tasmania from pooling with other totalisators for certain bet types, and requires TOTE Tasmania to comply with the take out rates set by Tabcorp on pooled bets.
“While the ACCC considers that certain provisions of the agreement may generate some anti-competitive detriment, overall it is of the view that the agreement will result in a net public benefit. In particular, the ACCC considers that the agreement will allow TOTE Tasmania to offer enhanced wagering products to punters, and provide a greater opportunity for TOTE Tasmania to compete. It will also ensure that TOTE Tasmania is able to continue to fund the Tasmanian racing industry."