WATC wins approval for Sportsbet

26/2/03
Racing and Gaming Minister Nick Griffiths has given approval for Sportsbet to operate at Ascot and Belmont Park racecourses.
The WA Turf Club wants to provide on-course punters with a bigger range of products.
On-course TAB agencies would give racegoers access to fixed-odds betting on such events as AFL, National Rugby League and World Cup Cricket matches.
Mr Griffiths said the cost of establishing the service would be minimal as existing TAB and WATC materials and equipment would be utilised.
"Sportsbet is growing at a rapid rate. In the first six months of the 2002-03 racing season fixed-odds betting has increased to $8.6million, compared with $4.8million last season," he said.
"This means there is more money available from the Sportsbet pot to be put back into developing youth sports in WA."
The new service is expected to be operational within two to three weeks.
Minister's office: 9222 8950