TAB —
PRIVATISATION — TRACKSIDE
930. Hon PETER COLLIER to the minister representing the
Treasurer:
I refer to the media release titled ''Certainty
for the WA racing industry with historic reform package''.
(1) Will the
government allow the expansion of Trackside or other forms of simulated racing
as part of the sale of the TAB?
(2) Will the sale
process for the TAB include the option for potential buyers to allow Trackside
and other forms of simulated racing to occur in TAB or other outlets?
(3) What is the
expected increase in the value of the TAB by allowing potential buyers to offer
Trackside or other forms of simulated racing to customers?
(4) Will the
government be required to negotiate with Crown casino to allow the introduction
of Trackside or other simulated gambling at venues outside of the casino?
(5) What is the
expected average increase in revenue for individually owned TAB outlets from
allowing Trackside or other forms of simulated racing?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the Leader of the Opposition
for some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) Yes.
The government has announced the inclusion of simulated racing in the proposed
reform package for the Western Australian TAB. The proposal will facilitate
this via the establishment of a new wagering licence regime, which will include
regulatory restrictions on how simulated racing products may be offered. These
will include, firstly, a restriction to virtual representations of the three
racing codes—that is, thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing.
Secondly, these products will be restricted to licensed TAB venues only—that
is, physical venues and not online. Thirdly, there will be a regulated time
interval between simulated races. For example, in Victoria, simulated races are
required to be a minimum of 20 seconds long and must be separated by a minimum
of three minutes. Fourthly, there will be regulated hours of operation aligned
to the standard trading hours for the licensed TAB venues.
(3) It is
expected that the inclusion of simulated racing will provide an up-front
benefit to the sale value of the TAB. However, this will be subject to the
bidders' assessment of relevant market factors, including the degree of
marketing and investment in the product and the level of punters'
interest. The inclusion of simulated racing will provide an ongoing benefit to
the racing industry in the form of a product fee and to TAB agents via
increased commissions.
(4) Yes. The
government has consulted with Crown Perth on the proposal.
(5) The benefit
to individual TAB outlets will depend on a number of factors, including the
level of uptake of the product and the detail of commercial arrangements with
TAB agents.