TAB to start betting on rugby matches from start of 1995 season

26/12/94

Fans of Perth's Western Reds rugby team will be able to put their money where their mouths are with the TAB next year taking bets on rugby matches.

Racing and Gaming Minister Max Evans said today the TAB planned to commence betting on rugby matches from the start of the 1995 season.

"With the advent of a WA-team in a national rugby league competition, local interest in the sport has increased rapidly," Mr Evans said.

"TAB punters bet almost $1 million on the outcome of cricket and football matches and the addition of rugby matches to this service is expected to boost turnover considerably.

"The TAB has also arranged to have its rugby betting pool combined with the pool operated by the NSW TAB so punters can expect an even larger return."

Mr Evans said the increased turnover would provide an added boon to sporting clubs with profits from the TAB's sports betting operations being made available to the Minister for Sport and Recreation for sport development programs.

Media contact: Paul Plowman 222 9595