ACCC proposes to grant authorisation to certain provisions of SuperTAB agreement
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a draft determination proposing to authorise* certain provisions of an agreement between Tabcorp and TOTE Tasmania** governing TOTE Tasmania's participation in the SuperTAB pool.
Tabcorp is the host of the SuperTAB pool which pools bets placed through a number of totalisators, including TOTE Tasmania.
"The ACCC considers certain provisions of the agreement may generate some public detriment," ACCC Acting Chair, Ms Louise Sylvan, said today.
"Among other things, the agreement prevents TOTE Tasmania from pooling with other totalisators for certain bet types, and requires TOTE Tasmania to comply with the take out rates set by Tabcorp on pooled bets.
"While the ACCC considers that certain provisions of the agreement may generate some anti-competitive detriment, overall it is of the view that the agreement will result in a net public benefit.
"In particular, the ACCC considers that the agreement will allow TOTE Tasmania to offer enhanced wagering products to punters, and provide a greater opportunity for TOTE Tasmania to compete. It will also ensure that TOTE Tasmania is able to continue to fund the Tasmanian racing industry."
Submissions on the draft determination are due on 22 February 2008. More information regarding the applications for authorisation is available by following the Public Registers and Authorisations Registers links on the ACCC's website.
*Authorisation provides immunity from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974. Broadly, the ACCC may grant an authorisation when it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment. The ACCC conducts a comprehensive public consultation process and issues a draft determination before making a decision to grant or deny authorisation.
