News & Media

04 March 2008 Positive Outlook for Racing Despite Impact of EI

Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) achieved a modest growth result for the first six months ending January 2008 despite the impact of Equine Influenza.

Recently released figures show Western Australian TAB turnover for the six months ending 31 January 2008 was up 2.5% on the previous corresponding period. Of this racing nationally achieved turnover of $728.3m, an increase of 1.8% above last year. Thoroughbreds $399m was 5.6% below last year, harness $125.1m was 9.5% below last year and greyhounds $204.2m was up 32% on the previous year.

By comparison, Eastern States off course tote figures for the same period displayed a reduction in turnover of around 5% due to the impact of EI.

RWWA Chief Executive Officer Mr Richard Burt said, “August 2007 was the first month that we saw the impact of EI resulting in a shutdown of racing nationally for a week and thereafter limited racing in New South Wales and Queensland until the end of November. The financial impact of EI has been significant to RWWA with Western Australian off course turnover growing by a modest 2.5%, prior to EI, WA off course was growing at a rate of 9-10%.”

Even though eastern states race fields and form remain effected post EI, Western Australia remains extremely optimistic that a full return to normal racing will commence in April of this year. This has been validated by recent figures showing good support for a full return to racing.

Burt said, “there is no doubt that Western Australia suffered in terms of turnover in the wake of EI but there is evidence to support that we are well and truly on the road to recovery.”

The popularity of TABSportsbet has increased with punters with fixed odds betting now accounting for 3.8% of total turnover compared to 1% in 2001.

Richard Burt
Chief Executive Officer

Media Contact: Drew Mazalevskis PH: 9445 5184.