Racing NSW and Tabcorp have reached an agreement to introduce a National Tote and extend a series of commercial arrangements until 2031, concluding months of negotiations over a project that has become a central part of Tabcorp's wagering strategy.
The agreement covers international pooling arrangements, free-to-air broadcast rights for 52 Saturdays each year and continued funding for the Golden Eagle.
Racing NSW will also take responsibility for managing Sky Thoroughbred Central, with plans to introduce new programming aimed at promoting New South Wales thoroughbred racing.
The National Tote has been under discussion across the Australian racing industry for several years. The initiative will combine the existing NSW TAB, SuperTAB and UNITAB pools into a single national pool, increasing liquidity for pari-mutuel wagering and creating larger betting pools for customers.
Industry participants have argued that deeper pools can reduce dividend volatility while improving long-term funding for racing through higher wagering turnover.
For Tabcorp, the project has been one of CEO Gillon McLachlan's major priorities since taking the role, with the operator identifying tote modernisation as a strategic growth initiative in recent investor updates.
The company has previously said a national tote would also support product development and expand opportunities for international pooling.
The agreement also aligns with Racing NSW's longer-term strategy of protecting wagering-derived funding streams. Its strategic plan identifies digital wagering, international pooling and overseas betting revenues as significant contributors to race club funding across the state.
Racing NSW CEO Peter V'landys said: "These announcements future proof the industry and ensure that our participants and clubs can continue to benefit from these important revenue streams."
V'landys added: "The National Tote can further stimulate tote betting through larger pools which make the pools more elastic. This ensures better value and more opportunities for punters."
On the media changes, he said: "This agreement ensures that the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry has a platform to promote not just the races themselves, but also the horses and participants to showcase the sport to new audiences."
The deal follows other long-term media and distribution agreements signed between Tabcorp and Australian racing bodies this year, including an expanded partnership with Racing Victoria, reflecting a broader industry focus on securing broadcast revenues while modernising wagering infrastructure.
The agreement comes only weeks after Racing NSW secured a legal victory in its governance dispute with the Australian Turf Club, when the New South Wales Court of Appeal ruled that the regulator had the authority to appoint an administrator, although implementation was temporarily stayed.
International pooling has operated across parts of Australian racing for years, linking local tote pools with overseas operators. The National Tote expands that concept by unifying Australia's domestic tote pools
