Tabcorp and German Tote to pool totalisators

Germany’s totalisator is the latest to join Tabcorp’s multi-billion dollar wagering pools, following an agreement completed between Tabcorp and German Tote.

German Tote is majority-owned by French wagering operator Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), while German racetracks (BGG Betriebsgesellschaft der Galopp-Rennvereine mbH) also have a minority stake.

The deal will involve the German Tote taking all Australian thoroughbred and harness racing and co-mingling their betting pool with Tabcorp. The co-mingling of pools creates liquidity, making totalisator betting more attractive to punters.

Tabcorp’s existing international pooling partners include Phumelela (South Africa), Singapore Turf Club, Hong Kong Jockey Club and New Zealand Racing Board.

Craig Nugent, Tabcorp’s Chief Operating Officer of Wagering and Media, said: “As well as adding to the liquidity of the German Tote and Tabcorp pools, this arrangement will take Australian racing to a new international audience.”

The racing connection between Australia and Germany has deepened in recent years with the exploits of Melbourne Cup-winner Protectionist and the well-performing German imports Lucas Cranach and Our Ivanhowe.

Tabcorp has also expanded its arrangements with ATG, the Swedish Horse Racing Totalisator Board. As a result, a third day of Australian harness racing will be broadcast and wagered on in Sweden, with Wednesday to be added to the existing Thursday and Friday schedule. Sweden is one of the world’s biggest harness racing wagering markets.

Craig Nugent continued: “We are pleased to expand Australian harness racing’s presence in Sweden. As well as exposing Australian harness racing to a wider audience, the Australian racing industry shares in the revenue from Swedish customers wagering on our events.”