TAB cuts early racing markets, punters not happy

Punters chasing early market overs have been dealt a significant blow following a surprise shift in policy, which has delayed the release of prices for a number of lower-tier race meetings until raceday itself.

The change has also sent shockwaves through the online betting landscape, impacting corporate bookmakers who often rely on early markets going live before adjusting, mirroring, or reframing their own odds.

“It’s a race to the bottom and it’s getting worse, not better,” one insider said.

“The TAB has essentially drawn a line in the sand and said to its competitors, if you want to go first and earlier on these meetings, then go for it.

“What the move has done is shine a light on some glaring weaknesses with some doing more of the heavy lifting than others.”

While Minimum Bet Laws (MBL) still largely kick in from 9am on raceday, it remains to be seen whether this shift will have a material impact on overall turnover and punter engagement.

In response, a Tabcorp spokesperson defended the strategy, stating that “TAB prides itself on being market leader for racing” and rejected claims that recent staffing cuts were the driver behind the changes.

“We’re first to market for the majority of thoroughbreds domestic races and that will continue,” the spokesperson said.

“Moving forward we have refined our approach to some non-metropolitan meetings whereby markets will be posted the morning of the race.”

With industry turnover and confidence always under scrutiny, punters may look to the most competitive betting platforms for alternative early market options and promotions.