Crown signs betting deal with Clubs New South Wales
James Packer's Crown Resorts' online wagering business CrownBet has signed a trail-blazing deal with ClubsNSW which will allow punters at its 1200 pubs and clubs to place bets online.
The deal smashes TAB's monopoly on in-venue betting. It is a huge blow to Tabcorp, which has TAB outlets in pubs and clubs across the country. Tabcorp makes much of its money from bets placed by customers in retail outlets.
The deal will affect 6.7 million ClubsNSW members across the state.
In a joint statement, Crownbet and ClubsNSW said the deal comes after ClubsNSW’s extensive wagering review and tender process which saw CrownBet selected over Australia’s other large wagering providers.
It will be available to clubs from Tuesday.
The new arrangement is expected to transform the modern betting experience by updating and modernising it with the latest technology.
According to ClubsNSW CEO Anthony Ball, the switch to online gaming had seen more than 90 per cent of clubs losing money on their TAB facilities in recent years.
The key here, he said, was the upgrade in facilities.
“Our arrangement with CrownBet will ensure all NSW clubs get their fair share from digital bets and will help ensure the industry’s long-term viability,” he said.
There will be an app linked to the CrownBet rewards program.
Punters will be able to redeem points earned on bets for offers at specific club venues, including club restaurants and cafes or over the bar.
“We’re thrilled to receive this groundbreaking endorsement from ClubsNSW. Our plan is to change the entire wagering experience for the benefit of their members and guests,” CrownBet CEO Matt Tripp said.
Crown Resorts owns 62 per cent of CrownBet. The rest of the company is owned by Mr Tripp, a former owner of Sportsbet, the biggest online bookmaker in Australia which he sold to Irish wagering giant Paddy Power in 2011.
by Leon Gettler, February 7th 2017
