2007/06/07 - Review by Ira Nanson

The TAB betting agency have monopolized the New Zealand race market for more than 50 years and only introduced sports to their betting profile in 1996.

The agency is governed by the New Zealand Racing Board which is the official body for all the racing and sports betting in the country, the revenue generated from the off-course bets is used to help fund the country’s sports industry.

In 2003 the Racing Act established NZRB to replace the Totalisator Agency Board and the Racing Industry Board.

Bettors have the option of betting on thoroughbreds, harness and greyhound racing and although it is predominantly a racebook, TAB does offer regular sporting events such as baseball, basketball, boxing, cricket, golf, ice hockey, rugby league / union, motor sports, soccer, tennis and pools.

Bet types include percentage betting, multi, win, place, show, trifecta, double, treble, all up, poker, pick6 six pack, pick the score, pools and fixed odds betting.

The website features Trackside TV Channel which broadcasts any race that TAB takes action on from New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong and some international races. You don’t have to be a member to tune in but it is just limited to audio only.

Radio Trackside is also featured which gives you greater coverage of all the national racing events plus news and information.

With the assistance of a Touch Tone Betting Service and an efficient call centre, TAB is equipped to handle more than 30 million calls a year and 85 per cent of those calls are handled during crunch time which is generally 5 minutes before each race / game goes off.

Overnight lines are not available. Bets can only be entered from 0830 for racing and 0930 NZT for sports to the end of the last race of the day.

The minimum phone bet is $5, $1 internet, $2 touchtone and for the use of SkyBet its $2.

Funding options range from cash, check, bank wire, mastercard and visa credit card.

Withdrawals are limited to cash, check or a voucher which is redeemable at any TAB outlet or racetrack.

A $5 fee will be charged for any withdrawal less than $50.

US and residents of Victoria are not permitted to open an account with TAB.

TAB is better suited for the race bettors but in its entirety this is a good book that offers a safe and secure wagering environment.

Sports Gambling Review rate TAB New Zealand :

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