Tabcorp Combines Australian Tote Systems Under One Pool
Tabcorp has introduced One Pool, merging NSW TAB, SuperTAB, and UniTAB pools into one. This development marks the formation of Australia’s first nationwide tote pool after 70 years and is part of Tabcorp’s strategy to revive interest in traditional tote betting.
The new system brings the 3 existing tote operations into 1 shared liquidity platform. Tabcorp said the change is intended to support future updates to pricing, promotions, and the expansion of pool betting beyond horse racing.
Tote betting has experienced a long-term decline as fixed-odds bookmakers have gained market share. Tabcorp said One Pool provides the foundation for a broader modernization plan over the next 18 months, although the company does not expect a major immediate increase in growth.
One Pool Creates National Platform
The One Pool combines the pools of NSW TAB, SuperTAB, and UniTAB. With pari-mutuel betting, all wagers go to one common pool, and returns depend on the number of wagers made on the different possible outcomes.
By merging the 3 systems, Tabcorp expects to create deeper liquidity across the national pool. The company said larger pools are expected to support more stable pricing for customers.
The effect is expected to be most noticeable during smaller midweek racing events. These races previously had lower pool sizes, which could lead to larger changes in odds as bets were placed.
Tabcorp said the combined pool is designed to reduce those fluctuations. The company expects that greater liquidity will make the product more consistent for people placing tote bets.
Chief Wagering Officer Michael Fitzsimons described the launch as a starting point for a wider overhaul rather than a complete solution to the decline in tote wagering. He said the company does not expect significant growth immediately, but One Pool creates a platform that can be developed over time.
The launch begins a period of changes planned across the company’s tote betting products. Tabcorp said the 18-month program will focus on building on the national pool and making the offering more competitive.
Pricing Changes and Sports Plans
Tabcorp plans to introduce variable takeout rates based on field sizes. The takeout rate is the portion deducted from a pari-mutuel betting pool before payouts are calculated.
The company also plans to extend pool betting to sports, including AFL and NRL. This would expand the use of One Pool beyond racing, which has traditionally been the main focus of tote wagering.
Another planned change is wholesale access for rival bookmakers. Tabcorp said it intends to offer this access in the future, although it did not give a specific timetable for when it would become available.
These plans are part of Tabcorp’s approach to developing the One Pool platform after the initial merger of the 3 tote systems. The company said it will make changes to its products, pricing, and promotions as the platform develops.
The national pool is expected to provide the liquidity base for these future initiatives. Tabcorp’s objective is to create a wagering product that customers find competitive, valuable, and engaging.
Focus on Stable Odds
Tabcorp Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said the company needs to ensure its tote product remains competitive and appealing. He said customers must see value in the offering if it is to succeed.
McLachlan said deeper liquidity, larger betting pools, and more stable pricing are expected to help improve the product. The company views these features as important to its effort to revive tote betting.
The launch of One Pool brings Australia’s 3 major tote systems into a shared national pool for the first time in 70 years. Tabcorp’s next steps include variable takeout rates, the introduction of sports pool betting, and eventual wholesale access for other bookmakers.
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