WA punters to benefit from drop in TAB commission

5/5/93

Western Australian punters will share a $1.86 million bonus when TAB commission is dropped to 14.25 per cent later this year, Racing Minister Max Evans said today.

Mr Evans said, providing the other States participating in the Supertab pool enacted necessary regulatory changes in time, the 0.75 per cent commission cut would be introduced on August 1, the first day of the racing calendar.

The Minister said the move was expected to increase win and place betting turnover, resulting in an increased return to the racing industry and the Government.

"Based on our 1992-93 estimates the reduction in commission is worth $1.86 million to Western Australian punters," Mr Evans said.

"The increased return to clients is likely to be reflected in increased turnover, as happened when commission was cut from 15.6 per cent to 15 per cent in November last year, so the return to the racing industry and to the Government will not be adversely affected.

"In all, and with the proviso that the TAB must continue to gain enough commission revenue to run its operations, it is pretty much a win/win situation for all involved."

Media contact: Tony Barker-May 481 3244