Totalizator Agency Board
Encyclopedia
Totalisator Agency Board in Australia and New Zealand, universally shortened to TAB, is the name given to monopoly totalisator organisations. All were originally government owned. In Victoria for instance, the State government owned Victorian Totalisator Agency Board began operating in March 1961.
The Australian TABs have been progressively privatised, beginning with Victoria in 1994 .
The TABs have extensive radio networks in Australia, except in Victoria and Tasmania where other parties own equivalent networks. All these networks share the National Racing Service, a continuous broadcast of thoroughbred
, harness
and greyhound racing
. This makes up the bulk of these networks' content. Collectively, these networks own more radio licences than any other group in Australia - however their terrestrial coverage is less than the ABC
as they generally have tiny wattages.
The heir of the NSW TAB also owns a national racing subscription TV service. In New Zealand, the TAB owns a near-national free-to-air and national subscription TV service. Most New Zealanders can sit at their analogue TV with a standard aerial and watch racing.
Throughout the mid-2000s, the TABs in Australia were involved in a dispute with Betfair
, attempting to deny the organisation access to a license in Australia. The Tasmania
n government granted access to a licence in 2005 (with advertising prominent throughout the state). In a media smear campaign, one of the TABs at one point ran advertisements that aimed to undermine Betfair's credibility (due to horses being laid to lose).
The New Zealand TAB was replaced by the New Zealand Racing Board
in 2003.
Radio TAB
is also used to live sports coverage (including horse racing) in parts of Australia.
The Australian TABs have been progressively privatised, beginning with Victoria in 1994 .
The TABs have extensive radio networks in Australia, except in Victoria and Tasmania where other parties own equivalent networks. All these networks share the National Racing Service, a continuous broadcast of thoroughbred
Horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
, harness
Harness racing
Harness racing is a form of horse racing in which the horses race at a specific gait . They usually pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky, although racing under saddle is also conducted in Europe.-Breeds:...
and greyhound racing
Greyhound racing
Greyhound racing is the sport of racing greyhounds. The dogs chase a lure on a track until they arrive at the finish line. The one that arrives first is the winner....
. This makes up the bulk of these networks' content. Collectively, these networks own more radio licences than any other group in Australia - however their terrestrial coverage is less than the ABC
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly referred to as "the ABC" , is Australia's national public broadcaster...
as they generally have tiny wattages.
The heir of the NSW TAB also owns a national racing subscription TV service. In New Zealand, the TAB owns a near-national free-to-air and national subscription TV service. Most New Zealanders can sit at their analogue TV with a standard aerial and watch racing.
Throughout the mid-2000s, the TABs in Australia were involved in a dispute with Betfair
Betfair
Betfair is the world's largest Internet betting exchange. The company is based in Hammersmith in West London, England. Since Betfair was launched in June 2000 it has become the largest online betting company in the UK and the largest betting exchange in the world. Betfair claim to have over 3...
, attempting to deny the organisation access to a license in Australia. The Tasmania
Tasmania
Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is south of the continent, separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania—the 26th largest island in the world—and the surrounding islands. The state has a population of 507,626 , of whom almost half reside in the greater Hobart...
n government granted access to a licence in 2005 (with advertising prominent throughout the state). In a media smear campaign, one of the TABs at one point ran advertisements that aimed to undermine Betfair's credibility (due to horses being laid to lose).
The New Zealand TAB was replaced by the New Zealand Racing Board
New Zealand Racing Board
The New Zealand Racing Board is a statutory body for New Zealand sports betting, including betting on horse racing and greyhound racing. It was established under the Racing Act 2003 to operate the TAB, promote the racing industry and maximise the profits of the industry...
in 2003.
Radio TAB
Radio TAB
Radio TAB is operated by UNITAB Limited, which operates the Totalisator Agency Board's based in Queensland, South Australia and Northern Territory...
is also used to live sports coverage (including horse racing) in parts of Australia.