End of an era for WATAB

29/1/04
After more than 40 years of operation, the Totalisator Agency Board of Western Australia will tomorrow (Friday, January 30) cease as a legal entity.
More commonly known as the WATAB, the name will continue to be used in respect to agencies, PubTABs and other marketing and promotion areas, but from tomorrow all functions of the TAB will be transferred to the recently created Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA).
Racing and Gaming Minister Nick Griffiths said the WATAB opened its first agency in Barrack Street, Perth in March 1961, two years after a Gambling Royal Commission recommendation for the establishment of an off-course totalisator scheme.
The WATAB was established to replace more than 200 licensed off-course betting shops, which had been legal since 1958.
"The TAB's first annual report showed a turnover of just over $1million dollars," Mr Griffiths said.
"Today that figure exceeds $1billion.
"Some 83 per cent of total turnover is returned to customers by way of winnings, while the balance is directed to the racing industries (about 6.5 per cent), State Government to assist with health, education and other community services (4.5 per cent) and approximately six per cent is set aside to cover operational costs."
RWWA was established on August 1 last year, when the principal club functions of the three racing codes were merged into a single controlling authority. It was determined that at a future date it would also assume the responsibility for off-course betting.
In associated legislative changes effective tomorrow, the Betting Control Board will be merged with the Gaming Commission of WA to form the Gaming and Wagering Commission Western Australia.
"With the racing and wagering arms of the business incorporated into one strong central agency, RWWA is now well-positioned to manage the future direction of industry," the Minister said.
"By and large, however, customers won't notice any changes in the way they conduct their business as the retail network will retain the WATAB brand."
Minister's office: 9222 8950