The WA TAB Celebrates 60 Years
The WA TAB celebrates a major milestone today, with it marking 60 years since it established itself as an iconic brand in the State.
On 18 March 1961, history was made when the WA TAB opened its first agency in Barrack Street, Perth – creating a new era for the WA racing industry.
The WA TAB was developed to replace licensed off-course betting shops in WA, and by the end of the 1960’s a total of 161 agencies were operating in the State.
In 1974, the establishment of the Racecourse Development Trust allowed WA race clubs to receive funds from the WA TAB’s unclaimed dividends.
This was followed by the introduction of the Sky Channel into metropolitan agencies in 1987, giving the first national coverage of racing fixtures. In the same year the popular mystery bet was introduced as well as “footy” betting.
During the 90’s the number of races covered by the TAB rose to 18,000 per year and a new legacy was created with the establishment of the GOODFORM publication, which later became known as the TABform, providing key information to punters.
A major milestone for the company was in 1997, when technological advances saw the launch of the WA TAB’s internet information and betting site ‘Ozbet’.
The early 2000’s saw a complete transformation of the organisation with not only the introduction of fixed odds sports betting, but the TAB’s operations were combined with the three racing codes of thoroughbreds, harness and greyhounds, to create Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA).
In 2013, digital enhancements further transformed the company’s betting experience, with the TABtouch mobile phone app created and the Ozbet website rebranded to become tabtouch.com.au
Today, the TAB operates a network of more than 320 TAB agencies and PubTABs, whilst supporting the on-course wagering infrastructure at WA race clubs. The TABtouch brand continues to encompass all account channels including mobile, online and the call centre.
Profits of the WA TAB continue to help support the WA racing industry, which provides $821 million in economic contribution to the State and has over 24,000 participants.
In addition to supporting the racing industry, the WA TAB supports the wider community through its Community TAB program, which provides financial assistance to a number of important community organisations such as HorsePower (formerly Riding the Disabled), Lifeline, Netball WA, RSL WA, St John Ambulance and a number of various sporting clubs.
RWWA Chief Executive Officer Ian Edwards said this is an important milestone for the WA TAB, which has continued to evolve over its 60 years.
“It is remarkable to think just how far we have come as a business and the significant financial support we have been able to put back into the community through the racing industry and other community groups,” said Ian.
“As an organisation, technological advancements have continued to revolutionise the way we have been able to better the betting experience for our customers.”
“Our people are the driving force behind our success and I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has been involved in making the WA TAB what it is today.”
“Looking ahead we will continue to better your bet and improve customer experience, which in turn will provide greater returns for the WA racing industry.”