The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission proposes to approve the continuing participation of ACTTAB Limited and Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) in the SuperTAB pool operated by Tabcorp, ACCC Chairman, Graeme Samuel, said today.
"By taking part in the SuperTAB pool, ACTTAB and RWWA can offer punters access to a more stable totaliser pool," he said.
Tabcorp, ACTTAB and RWWA are the licensed totalisator in their respective jurisdictions. Each also offers fixed odds betting through retail outlets and by phone and internet.
ACTTAB and RWWA are currently offering pari-mutuel wagering products through the SuperTAB pool under an interim authorisation granted by the ACCC.
"Under the SuperTAB arrangements, ACTTAB and RWWA have access to a larger pool into which their customers can bet," he said.
"Without authorisation for this proposal ACTTAB and RWWA would leave the SuperTAB pool which could result in a less stable pool for ACTTAB and RWWA punters."
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's draft determination will be available from the ACCC website, via the Public registers and Authorisations and notifications registers links.
The ACCC invites submissions from interested parties in relation to the draft determination before making its final decision. Parties wishing to make submissions should do so by August 7 2009. Please refer to the website for further information about making a submission to the ACCC.