General Information
The role of the Government
Bookmaker
Bookmaker Company
Bookmaker Clerk
Bookmaker guarantees
Bookmaker computer betting ledger systems
Telephone betting
Electronic (Internet) betting
Approved betting premise/Authorised Betting Office
Internet access racecourse patrons
Events betting
Futures race betting
Betting auditoriums
Bookmaker agencies
Bookmakers operating as clerks
Bookmakers leave of absence with substitute
Bookmakers clerk day licence
Bookmakers operating on Big Dance Day
Call of the card betting
Multi Venue betting
Overseas betting
Bet Types Allowed - Racing NSW policy information
betting
Win and Place betting; display of odds
Jockey challenge betting
Customer Identification
Race Fields Information Use
Betting deductions
On-Course Metropolitan Limits (Minimum Bet)
NSW Official Price (Betting Fluctuations/Starting Price for NSW races)
Related links
Liquor & Gaming NSW
NSW Bookmakers Co-Operative
Summary of Racing NSW policy information regarding Bookmakers, Bookmaker Companies, Bookmaker Clerks and their combined services and operations
The following information, relating to the various licensing, regulation and policy requirements of Racing NSW (RNSW) that apply to bookmakers in NSW, is issued as a guide for bookmakers and punters.
Bookmakers, Bookmaker Companies, Bookmaker’s Clerks must be licensed by RNSW in order to operate in NSW. The definition in the RNSW Local Rules of Racing reads:
"Bookmaker" means a natural person or eligible company licensed in accordance with section 14A of the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996, and a person acting as a bookmaker’s agent and/or bookmaker’s remote clerk.
Bookmakers operate at race meetings, in approved auditoriums or betting premises during pre-determined hours. Depending on the bookmaker’s authorisation, bets are offered on daily racing events, future races including doubles, and approved betting events.
The bookmakers authorisation/s may permit bets to be transacted face to face, via recorded telephone calls, and the Internet from the bookmakers race course stand or from an approved betting auditorium or betting premise (telephone and/or Internet only).
Updated March 2011
The following extract is from the Liquor & Gaming NSW section of the NSW Government official website:
Wagering (on racing and approved betting events) in New South Wales is conducted by TAB Limited and licensed bookmakers.
TAB Limited is licensed under the Totalizator Act 1997 to conduct totalizator (pari-mutuel) and fixed odds wagering on racing and approved betting events.
Bookmaker licensing in New South Wales is the responsibility of the relevant controlling bodies of racing. However, bookmakers may obtain authorities for approved events betting, telephone and electronic betting from the Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation under the Betting and Racing Act 1998.
The Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation is the responsible Minister with respect to the governing legislation in the case of the relevant controlling bodies of racing:
Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996
Harness Racing Act 2009
Greyhound Racing Act 2009
along with:
Totalizator Act 1997
Betting and Racing Act 1998
Unlawful Gambling Act 1998
Hence Liquor & Gaming NSW has an important role in the provision of racing and wagering policy advice to the Minister on the above legislation. Additionally, Liquor & Gaming NSW has comprehensive regulatory responsibilities over TAB Limited’s wagering activities.
Under section 19 of the Betting and Racing Act, the Minister is responsible for the issue of authorisations to bookmakers to accept bets on approved betting events and, under section 16, the issue of telephone and electronic betting authorities to bookmakers.
Liquor & Gaming NSW is responsible for regulating various aspects of bookmaker activities in these spheres.
More information is available by visiting Liquor & Gaming NSW
Updated March 2011
An applicant for a bookmaker licence should be minimum age 21 yrs, with minimum 6 months experience as a bookmaker clerk. A sound independent financial position is required, as is a trading guarantee according to the RNSW schedule of guarantees. Applicants are required to lodge a bookmaker financial statement before attending an interview with the licensing supervisor or regional steward.
Bookmakers field at country, provincial or metropolitan race meetings. Stand locations range from the main betting ring rails, to outer ring locations or in restaurants and grandstand areas. Application should be made to the Race Club conducting the meeting for a position on course. The bookmaker guarantee schedule provides information on the level of guarantee required for different region and stand locations. Bookmakers may, on application, also operate from a licensed betting auditorium, an authorized betting office or an approved betting premise.
Unless special permission is given by RNSW, a bookmaker cannot field at more than one racecourse on the same day, but he/she may operate a second stand on the same course as an agency. The agency stand, operated by the bookmaker’s employee clerk, should be located away from the main betting ring, for example in a restaurant or lawn area of the course.
The Local Rules that relate specifically to Bookmakers begin at LR 83, but participants should familiarize themselves with all rules. There are also conditions of licence on the Bookmaker’s licence application & renewal form. A full copy of the Rules of Racing of Racing NSW including Rules of Betting, and an application for licence form, are available on the RNSW website.
Participants are also advised to review the following NSW legislation:
Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996, Unlawful Gambling Act 1998 and Betting and Racing Act 1998.
If a licence application is approved, a RNSW photo ID licence card is issued, and the licence must be renewed annually before the 30 June each year.
Updated March 2011
Legislation was introduced in NSW in 2003 to allow bookmakers to form companies from which they conduct their bookmaking business, whether as sole directors or in partnerships.
An applicant for a bookmaker company licence should be firstly licensed as an individual bookmaker/s in order to be approved as directors of the company. Between one and four directors are allowed, and each must hold a minimum stake in the company of 5%, and collectively a minimum stake of 51%. Up to 12 additional shareholders are allowed, but they must be a close family member of a director.
Applicants are required to lodge a bookmaker company financial statement before attending an interview with the licensing supervisor and RNSW officials. The appropriate trading guarantees required for the company are determined on application by RNSW, and are subject to review.
Bookmaker companies may operate at more than one race meeting at the same time, or on more than one stand at a race meeting including within the same betting ring, provided that a director is on each stand, and the appropriate trading guarantees are in place.
The Local Rules that relate specifically to bookmaker companies are contained in the bookmaker rules that begin at LR 83, but participants should familiarize themselves with all rules. There are also conditions of licence on the bookmaker company licence application & renewal form. A full copy of the Rules of Racing of Racing NSW including Rules of Betting, and an application for licence form, are available on the RNSW website.
Directors should ensure that the bookmaker company structure is compliant with the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996, not restricted to but including Section 14 A, and advise RNSW in writing if anything material changes in relation to this Act. Applicants are also advised to review the following NSW legislation: Unlawful Gambling Act 1998 and Betting and Racing Act 1998.
If a licence application is approved, a photo ID is issued, and the licence must be renewed annually.
Updated March 2011
An applicant for a bookmaker clerk licence should be minimum age 18 years. Employment with on-course bookmakers is usually part time, although some clerks have full time positions, and may also work in an authorized betting office, approved betting premises or auditoriums.
The Local Rules that relate specifically to bookmaker clerks begin at LR 100, but participants should familiarize themselves with all rules.
There are also conditions of licence on the clerk’s licence application & renewal form. A full copy of the Rules of Racing of Racing NSW including Rules of Betting , and an application for licence form, are available on the RNSW website.
Applicants are also advised to review the following NSW legislation: Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996, Unlawful Gambling Act 1998 and Betting and Racing Act 1998.
Before completing an application for licence form, clerks should seek employment with a licensed bookmaker, who will counter sign the application. When submitting an application, it is necessary to include a copy of the applicant’s photo driver’s licence or photo passport, and two passport sized photographs signed on the back.
If a licence application is approved, a RNSW photo ID licence card is issued, and the licence must be renewed annually before the 30 June each year.
Updated November 2019
Bookmakers are required to have trading guarantees before being permitted to operate. The purpose of the guarantee is to provide surety to punters that there is a mechanism to seek payment for successful bets if a bookmaker does not make payment.
The amount of guarantee set for each bookmaker is determined by RNSW, and reviewed annually or more frequently if required.
If resident within the jurisdiction of RNSW, bookmakers must have the required guarantee provided to the NSW Bookmakers Co-Operative Limited, or in the event that membership of the Bookmakers Co-Operative has been declined by that body, such other financial guarantee as is required by RNSW and is satisfactory to it.
In the case of non resident (Interstate) Bookmakers licensed by Racing NSW, the required guarantee may be provided by the NSW Bookmakers Co-Operative Limited, or directly to Racing NSW such other financial guarantee as is required by and satisfactory to it. Such guarantees shall remain with Racing NSW for a minimum period of 12 months from the date of lodgement.
In the case of non resident Bookmakers, an assessment as to the required level of guarantee applies at the time of application (or renewal) of licence. The assessment criteria applied includes home state activity & turnover levels, and forecast (and/or historical) NSW activity & turnover levels. Once the level is determined, which shall not be lower than the applicant’s guarantee level in their home state, the guarantee from a non resident bookmaker shall be provided according to the conditions listed on the assessment document.
The guarantee schedule for setting the minimum requirements is reviewed by RNSW from time to time, in consultation with the NSW Bookmakers Co-Operative Limited. The schedule is divided into regional operations in the first instance, and has an overriding mechanism to set guarantees according to a bookmaker's level of annual betting turnover. Additional services such as Electronic (Internet) betting, Event (sports) betting, Randwick auditorium or futures race betting are treated separately.
The guarantee schedule is aimed at reflecting the bookmaker's true level of activity; therefore providing a suitable fallback guarantee should any problems arise. However, RNSW is unable to provide surety that the total level of guarantee will meet the total level of unpaid successful bets should the bookmaker fail to meet payment. If this situation occurs, it is forecast that a pro rata amount will be paid equally to all successful claimants.
Updated March 2011
Unless otherwise approved by RNSW, bookmakers licensed in the Metropolitan and Provincial areas must use an approved computer betting ledger system. Liquor & Gaming NSW will issue a document titled “NSW bookmaker computer betting ledger systems minimum requirements” to bookmakers on application. Bookmakers may then apply to Liquor & Gaming NSW and RNSW for approval for the use of their proposed computer system.
If approved, bookmakers may not make any amendments to the system without first gaining the approval of Liquor & Gaming NSW and RNSW.
All bookmakers operating from approved betting premises must use an approved computer betting ledger system, Details are available on request from Liquor & Gaming NSW and Racing NSW.
Updated March 2011
Bookmakers wishing to conduct telephone betting may apply to Liquor & Gaming NSW for a bookmaker’s telephone betting authority. If approved, bookmakers may receive bets on race courses, betting auditoriums, an authorized betting office or from approved betting premises via an approved system telephone during their usual business operating hours subject to certain conditions.
NSW Bookmaker Telephone Betting Conditions, as approved by the Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, are issued by Liquor & Gaming NSW to those bookmakers who have been issued with the relevant telephone betting authority. See also section 16 (5) of the Betting and Racing Act 1998, and Rules of Racing of Racing NSW including Rules of Betting (including LR97).
Telephone calls are recorded on a system telephone approved by Liquor & Gaming NSW and the NSW racing controlling bodies. The recordings ensure Liquor & Gaming NSW and Racing NSW officials can monitor telephone calls for regulatory purposes, and provide information to stewards and other authorities if required.
Also, if bookmakers and their clients have discrepancies or queries regarding their transactions, the bookmaker can access their own recordings and provide them on request to the client.
Whilst betting is taking place on a racecourse bookmakers and their clerks are not permitted to use or have in their possession non-Liquor & Gaming NSW telephones without first seeking permission from the Stewards (see LR97).
Updated March 2011
Electronic Betting
Bookmakers wishing to conduct electronic betting and obtain Internet access to view prices, transact bets or make bet backs on thoroughbred, harness, greyhound races or approved betting events with licensed wagering operators while fielding at a racecourse or approved betting premise must make application to Racing NSW.
A bookmaker must also apply to the Liquor & Gaming NSW for an Electronic Betting Authority and/or Betting Back Approval.
If an Electronic Betting Authority is approved by the Minister and an Authorisation is permitted by Racing NSW, bookmakers may view prices, transact bets or bet backs with licensed wagering operators via the Internet utilising a Liquor & Gaming NSW approved betting system when it is lawful to operate as a bookmaker.
Such approvals are restricted to Bookmakers use on a racecourse, an authorized betting office, betting auditorium or an approved betting premise and are subject to the Rules of Racing (including LR 97A), the BOOKMAKER TELEPHONE, ELECTRONIC BETTING AND APPROVED BETTING PREMISE OR AUTHORISED BETTING OFFICE CONDITIONS and any policies or directions of Racing NSW or conditions of approval of Liquor & Gaming NSW.
To view Bookmakers Betting Limits please MINIMUM BETTING LIMITS –BOOKMAKERS
The NSW Bookmaker Electronic Betting Conditions, as approved by the Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, are issued by Liquor & Gaming NSW to those bookmakers who have been issued with the relevant Internet Betting Authority. See also section 16 of the Betting and Racing Act 1998.
Updated March 2018
Bookmakers wishing to conduct race betting and approved events betting may apply to operate an approved betting premise that is not on a racecourse as described in Section 16A of the Betting and Racing Act 1998. Prior to commencement the premise must be approved by Racing NSW.
If approved, Racing NSW shall specify the suitable location for the premise, which shall be considered the designated area where bets can be transacted.
Bookmakers with the appropriate authority/approval may transact bets electronically or by telephone, on racing and approved betting events during their usual business operating hours, subject to certain conditions. The approved premise is not to be open to, or available for use by the public or a section of the public. Licensed bookmakers who operate an Approved Betting Premise NOT located on a licensed racecourse are NOT PERMITTED to offer tote odds (eg make or offer a bet dependent on the result of the working of a totalizator on the event or contingency) – see Section 88 Totalizator Act 1997 No 45
All employees who process, record or approve bets, set or alter markets while working in approved betting premises, must be licensed by RNSW.
Racing NSW approval is issued subject to conditions, Racing NSW policy and the Rules of Racing of Racing NSW including Rules of Betting. Also refer to section 16A of the Betting and Racing Act 1998.
Authorised Betting Office
Bookmakers wishing to conduct race betting and/or events betting may apply to operate an authorised betting office.
The office must be located on a licensed racecourse, and permission must be sought from the race club upon whose racecourse the office is be located. Approval is then required from Liquor & Gaming NSW and Racing NSW.
If approved, bookmakers with the appropriate authority/approval may transact bets via the telephone or electronically, on racing and approved events during their usual business operating hours, subject to certain conditions.
The authorised betting office is not to be open to, or available for use by the public or a section of the public. Licensed bookmakers who operate an Authorised Betting Office located on a licensed racecourse ARE PERMITTED to offer tote odds (eg make or offer a bet dependent on the result of the working of a totalizator on the event or contingency) – see Section 88 Totalizator Act 1997 No 45
All employees who process, record or approve bets, set or alter markets while working in authorised betting office, must be licensed by RNSW.
Liquor & Gaming NSW, RNSW and the race club upon whose racecourse the office is located shall determine the suitable location for the office, which shall be separate from other betting areas and auditoriums located on the racecourse.
Racing NSW approval is issued subject to conditions, Racing NSW policy and the Rules of Racing of Racing NSW including Rules of Betting.. Also refer to section 16 of the Betting and Racing Act 1998
Updated March 2011
Punters and racegoers – Laptops allowed on racecourse
Racecourse patrons are allowed to bring their laptops computers, iPads and other electronic devices onto NSW thoroughbred racecourses from August 2010 without restriction.
Racegoers are reminded though that Stewards may require access to information from their laptop or other electronic device or records to assist with inquiries being conducted by the Stewards.
Updated March 2011
Events approved for betting are those sporting or other events declared by the Minister under Section 18 of the Betting and Racing Act 1998 to be declared betting events.
Bookmakers wishing to conduct events betting may apply to Liquor & Gaming NSW for an events betting authority. If approved, bookmakers may transact bets on declared betting events during their usual business operating hours subject to certain conditions.
Events betting bookmakers operate either part time (casual) or full time on betting events detailed in the approved schedule of declared betting events, and any Events Betting Rules or Conditions, issued by the Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation. See also section 18 of the Betting and Racing Act 1998 and Rules of Racing of Racing NSW including Rules of Betting (incl. LR98).
Additional bookmaker guarantee arrangements may apply depending on the bookmaker’s level of events betting turnover. In the case of a full time operator, a Liquor & Gaming NSW sanctioned Quarantined Customer Debit Funds account applies.
The following extract is from the Liquor & Gaming NSW section of the NSW Government official website:
EVENTS BETTING The range of events betting upon which Tabcorp (NSW Division) and licensed bookmakers are permitted to offer betting is determined by the Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation under section 18 of the Betting and Racing Act. Under section 20, the Minister determines the bet types which bookmakers may offer on each event.
With respect to events betting, Tabcorp (NSW Division) and bookmakers operate under separate - but similar - sets of Rules. Under the Rules, betting disputes involving either category of wagering operator are referred to the Events Betting Disputes Panel.
With the amendment to the Betting and Racing Act 1998, (31 December 2010) a new set of Bookmaker Events Betting Rules will been approved by the Minister under section 23 of the Act. This set of rules applies to all bets made with authorised New South Wales events bookmakers from 31 December 2011.
The Schedule of Betting Events and Approved Forms of Betting is a table of the events which have been approved for events betting by the Minister under section 18 of the Betting and Racing Act. This forms a schedule to the Bookmaker Events Betting Rules. The table also sets out the forms of events betting (eg. Head-to-Head, Margins) which events betting bookmakers are permitted to offer.
Updated March 2011
Bookmakers wishing to conduct futures (pre-post) race betting, single or multi (doubles) can do so in two forms:
1. Race day futures- means on a racecourse or betting auditorium only during usual race meeting hours;
2. Betting Premise or Office futures – means from an approved betting premise or authorized betting office including issue of single and multi (doubles) printed charts or Internet lists and regular updates to clients, RNSW and Liquor & Gaming NSW.
1. Race day futures - applies to bookmakers who wish to offer a raceday only service to their face-to-face, telephone or Internet clients. This form of betting is popular with country bookmakers during a feature carnival meeting, whether on local or Metropolitan events. Markets must be displayed where possible or available on request.
2. Betting Premise or Office futures – applies to bookmakers operating from approved betting premise or authorized betting office. In this case, Futures betting is conducted on Feature races in advance, or on regular Saturday races after acceptances are declared for the meeting. Betting on both single and multi events is permitted until jump time of the event or the 1st leg of the multi bet.
For feature races, betting usually commences after nominations for a particular race close. However, bookmakers may offer betting before nominations close for the particular race, on the condition that if your horse is not nominated a full refund is payable or credit bet by agreement.
Betting is "all in" between close of nominations and final acceptance time. Final acceptances are usually declared two, three or four days before a feature race. "All in" means if your horse does not start in the race your money is non-refundable. For bets placed after final acceptances, if a horse is scratched or declared a non-runner in the race, refunds and deductions may apply.
In the case of a full time (betting premise, office or futures) operator, additional bookmaker guarantee and a Liquor & Gaming NSW Sanctioned Quarantined Customer Debit Funds account applies.
Updated October 2013
Race clubs wishing to conduct betting auditoriums may apply to Liquor & Gaming NSW for approval from the Minister to operate an auditorium on a licensed racecourse. Auditoriums usually offer bookmaker and TAB services on non-race days.
Racing industry auditoriums are currently operating at Randwick racecourse Wed - Sun (except when a race meeting is being conducted) and some Mon - Tues, and at Broadmeadow (Newcastle) racecourse on Saturdays and public holidays (when a race meeting is not being conducted).
Auditoriums are also conducted by Ministerial approval at many country racecourses on Big Dance day.
The usual betting conditions applying to bookmakers are in force at betting auditoriums. Additional bookmaker guarantee arrangements apply to the face-to-face operators in the Randwick Auditorium.
See also the Betting and Racing Act 1998. and Rules of Racing of Racing NSW including Rules of Betting.
Updated March 2011
A bookmaker may operate a second stand on the same racecourse without requiring additional guarantees. This stand, known as an agency stand, shall be operated by the bookmaker’s employee clerk, and be located away from the betting ring, for example in a restaurant or lawn area of the course.
Exceptions apply to this policy for Big Dance Day, and for the Racing Industry Betting Auditorium at Randwick. In these situations, if a bookmaker is operating at a race meeting, the bookmaker’s employee clerk may, with permission from RNSW, operate the auditorium business or second racecourse stand at a separate racecourse on behalf of the bookmaker as an agency.
Updated March 2011
A bookmaker is permitted to operate in the capacity of a bookmaker clerk upon obtaining a bookmaker clerk licence. To obtain a bookmaker clerk licence, a bookmaker must complete a licence application/renewal form but is not required to submit the licence fee.
Updated March 2011
General: With the approval of RNSW, a licensed bookmaker clerk may operate in the absence of a bookmaker LR93 (a). Applications must be accompanied by the appropriate guarantees, as issued by the NSW Bookmakers Co-Operative (or other).
Metropolitan area: The number of applications being granted for a substitute (clerk) to field on behalf of a bookmaker in the metropolitan area on Saturdays and public holidays will be limited to six meetings per year (calendar). Notwithstanding that further applications may be granted by RNSW due to exceptional circumstances.
Updated March 2018
Country region
Bookmaker clerk day licenses in the country region are considered on application under the following conditions;
i) applications will only be considered where they are made before the clerk commences work on the day.
ii) applicant lodge a signed and completed standard bookmaker clerk application form and mark it 'Country day licence only'.
iii) appropriate identification is produced (drivers licence or birth certificate or passport).
iv) the application is accompanied by a fee of $20.
v) the number of applications issued to each clerk is limited to 5 per season.
Metropolitan/Provincial region
Bookmaker clerk day licenses will not be issued on metropolitan and provincial racecourses, excepting under the following conditions;
1. 7 Feature days licence in the one licensing season (1 July – 30 June) encompassing The Everest, Epsom Handicap and Big Dance day in the Spring and Golden Slipper, Championship Day 1, Championship Day 2 and Schweppes Stakes Day in the Autumn.
i) applications will only be considered where they are made before the clerk commences work on the day;
ii) applicant lodges a signed and completed standard bookmaker clerk application form and mark it '7 feature day licence only';
iii) identification is produced (drivers licence, birth certificate or passport)
iv) the application is accompanied by a $40 fee
Big Dance Day Only:
i) Application will only be considered where they are submitted to the Racing NSW licensing department before 2pm on the Tuesday prior to Big Dance day;
ii) applicant lodges a signed and completed standard bookmaker clerk application form and mark it 'Big Dance day licence only';
iii) identification is produced (drivers licence, birth certificate or passport)
iv) the application is accompanied by a fee of $20
v) applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application before 4pm the Thursday prior to Big Dance day.
Updated July 2024
Due to the large number of race meetings and betting auditoriums conducted on Big Dance day in NSW, the following policy applies:
Non metropolitan bookmakers are permitted to operate the following stands on Big Dance day only:
1. field at a country or provincial race meeting
2. operate an agency at another country race meeting
3. operate an agency at a country based auditorium on that day.
i) provided that approval is first obtained from the NSW Bookmakers Co-Operative Ltd for the extension of the bookmakers guarantee to cover more than one venue.
Metropolitan Bookmakers may field at Randwick racecourse only, unless specific written approval is received from Racing NSW to field at an additional venue.
Updated March 2011
Race clubs may make application to RNSW and regional stewards for permission to conduct call of the card betting on a licensed racecourse. Application may be made to the Liquor & Gaming NSW for permission to conduct the event at a non-racecourse location. The event usually takes place one or two days before a significant feature race, and Stewards are in attendance to supervise the event.
Only bookmakers who are fielding at the race meeting at which the feature race is to be held are eligible to operate at the call of the card, except at the events listed below that are conducted at the Randwick auditorium, in which case bookmakers who are fielding at a NSW race meeting on the corresponding day at which the feature race is to be held are eligible to operate at the call of the card.
Bets accepted at the call of the card are recorded in a betting ledger on the day and submitted to stewards. The bets are then re-recorded in the bookmaker’s ledger on the day of the race meeting.
The racing industry betting auditorium at Randwick may conduct annual call of the card functions on the following events:
Spring - Melbourne Cup;
Autumn; Doncaster Hcp, Golden Slipper
Call of card may be held in the Randwick Betting Pavilion if approved by the Minister
Call of the Card Conditions of Betting:
Betting will be conducted under the Rules of Racing of Racing NSW. Racing NSW Stewards will be in attendance. All bets will be recorded on a central ledger.
In addition the following will apply at time of betting:
1. All bets to be made in cash, unless credit arrangements with that Bookmaker have been put in place and confirmed.
2. Bookmakers will be required to issue a receipt, voucher or ticket to the punter, thus confirming the bet.
3. Betting limits (refer Rules of Racing) apply -
4. In the event of late scratchings, monies will be refunded and the scale of deductions will be applied (see Rules of Racing).
5. Successful bets may be settled at the race meeting or at the NSW Bookmakers Co-Operative or Raceclub by arrangement.
6. Ledger to be submitted to Racing NSW Stewards following the ‘Call of the Card’.
7. Only Bookmakers who are fielding at a NSW race meeting on the day that the feature race is conducted are eligible to offer odds at the Call of the Card. Each bookmaker bet is to be entered at the start of the meeting when fielding on the corresponding day
8. Rules pertaining to betting on Emergencies. The Emergency Runners will be offered at the conclusion of betting on the acceptances for the race according to the following rules:-a. In the event that any of the Emergencies do not gain a run, all monies wagered on them will be refunded and no deductions will apply to bets laid on the current acceptances.
b. If there is a scratching from the current acceptances and either or all of the Emergencies gains a run, deductions will apply to all bets laid on the remainder of the current acceptance as per rule 4 but no deductions will apply to the Emergency Runner(s).
Updated March 2011
Bookmakers may conduct multi venue betting without displaying a separate betting board for each venue. Bookmakers who elect to offer multi venue betting in this format must display the Multi Venue sign, and shall accept wagers on every race scheduled on the main New South Wales, Victorian, Queensland and South Australian programs. Patrons may request a quote of a price if the bookmaker is not displaying odds for the particular race in question.
Updated March 2011
Any bookmaker licensed with Racing NSW wishing to operate a betting service on overseas racing events must first seek the approval of Racing NSW. Such approval will not be granted unless:
The bookmaker provides written confirmation that he/she has obtained an appropriate authorization from the conducting race club or from the controlling authority in the jurisdiction where the race meeting is being conducted.
The bookmaker undertakes not to accept bets from persons who reside in the country where the race meeting is being held.
Irrespective of the above, approval will only be granted where RNSW considers it to be in the public interest for this service to be provided.
Updated April 2016
Field against the favourite betting, previously allowed in NSW, is not permitted to be offered by bookmakers. Bookmakers can however offer favourite out betting, subject to the conditions of BR 24 and BR 25 - Rules of Racing of Racing NSW including Rules of Betting. Click here to review the list of other Bet Types allowed: Non-traditional Bet types Permitted or Not Permitted
Updated March 2011
The Rules of Racing require a price to be displayed for each runner in a race. However, if a bookmaker is unable to source a suitable double column betting board allowing individual Win and Place prices to be displayed for all runners, the following applies:
When a bookmaker is offering Win and Place betting, either:
i) A separate price is displayed for win and for place for every horse in the
field on the bookmakers board; or
ii) a win price is displayed and the place price determined as 1/5th of the win odds for bookmakers offering place betting.
In scenario i), which will usually apply with race fields of 12 or less, bookmakers are required to clearly display the following signage: "Win and Place betting Place - dividend on lower section of the Betting Board"
In scenario ii), which will usually apply with race fields of 13 or more, bookmakers are required to clearly display the following signage: "Win and Place betting Place - Place odds at 1/5th of the Win odds (expressed as a dividend)."
Updated March 2011
From Friday 28 Oct 2005, TAB and bookmakers are permitted to offer Jockey Challenge betting, where punters can back their choice of Jockey to be the most successful rider at the race meeting, or over a *racing carnival series of meetings.
For example, a market is set for say the 7 jockeys ‘in the market’ on the day. The favoured jockey will inevitably be the rider with several pre-post favourite mounts, then various prices will be posted for the other riders considered a good chance on the day, then a general price for ‘any other rider’.
The rider who accrues the most points for the day is declared the winner.
3 points for a winning ride
2 points for a second placed ride
1 point for a third placed ride
Bookmakers wishing to conduct jockey challenge betting must be authorised events betting bookmakers. The bet type will be categorised under Events Betting, governed by the Liquor & Gaming NSW Bookmaker Declared Betting Events Betting Rules
*A racing carnival shall include a series of meetings as approved by Racing NSW.
Application to conduct carnival jockey challenge betting shall be made in advance to Racing NSW stewards and shall not proceed unless first approved.
Updated March 2011
Bookmaker’s customer client identification requirements were reviewed by Racing NSW in July 2008. As a consequence Local Rules 91A and 91B, which describe the obligations of Bookmakers and of customers making application to a bookmaker to open an account, were amended. The customer must provide the bookmaker with an acceptable level of Proof of the Customer’s identity, and the Bookmaker must ensure that the process is carried out. Local Rules 91A and 91B describe in full the conditions surrounding customer identification - Rules of Racing of Racing NSW includes the Rules of Betting.
Betting Account Application Pro-forma Form can be downloaded here
Updated March 2011
The NSW Government introduced legislation and regulations concerning the use of NSW Race Fields Information. Racing controlling bodies of the three codes are responsible for granting approval and setting fees for the use of NSW race fields information by licensed wagering operators. Licensed wagering operators who use NSW thoroughbred Race Fields, regardless of where they are domiciled or licensed must seek approval for the use of NSW thoroughbred race fields from Racing NSW. For more information.
Updated July 2011
From 1st August 2011 a new method of calculating betting deductions took effect in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Victoria.
These betting deductions are made to winning tickets when horses are withdrawn from a race.
The new method utilises an algorithm which enables a re-framing of markets to achieve the pre-withdrawal market percentage.
Introduction of the new method was a joint initiative between the Australian Racing Board and the Australian Bookmakers Association.
It was developed by Intelligent Wagering Systems Pty Ltd and implementation was carried out with the assistance of the National Chairmen of Stewards and the Australian Prices Network.
For more information go to - http://www.racingaustralia.horse/arb/deductions.aspx.
Updated August 2016
Please click here to view the betting limits for Bookmakers fielding at Metropolitan race meetings in NSW.
These limits, under Betting Rule 13, apply to bookmakers when operating at a metropolitan grade racemeeting, and are not to be confused with minimum bet requirements under racefields legistation.
Updated August 2017
Commencing in May 2017, the APN Bookmaker’s prices model (Australian Prices Network) was discontinued and the New South Wales Official Price introduced (“NOP”). The NOP is calculated from the larger Licensed Wagering Operators offering wagering on New South Wales race meetings. These Operators include Corporate Bookmakers and TAB Fixed Odds who combined are responsible for the majority of wagering on NSW meetings. All price fluctuations are taken via this service meaning that the SP and Top Fluc will be produced via the NOP service.
Please NSW Official Price – Fluctuations and Starting Price for NSW TAB race meetings to see more information on the NOP and explanation of the collection methodology.
