Concern over a range of wagering matters prompted Harness Racing Australia (HRA) to appoint a special committee, the Wagering Working Party, to examine wagering issues and make recommendations as to how turnover can be boosted, with a resultant increase in industry funding.
The members of the Working Party appointed by the HRA Executive were Mr Ross Cooper (Chair), Mr Sam Nati, Mr Harvey Kaplan and Mr Shane Anderson, with the Terms of Reference set:
- To determine ways to grow wagering turnover on harness racing
- To identify ways to broaden the appeal of Australian harness racing as a wagering proposition
- To examine ways of making information more readily accessible to the punting public
- To examine ways to attract and retain both new and existing customers
Wagering Working Party Chair, Mr Ross Cooper, formally tabled the Wagering Report (the Report) and provided a presentation detailing the recommendations on behalf of the Working Party at the HRA Annual General Meeting on 13 October 2014, explaining to Members that "the Report has aimed to deliver the Executive with both an important understanding of harness racing wagering customers and practical recommendations to improve the sport".
Mr Cooper also made the case for national adoption, adding, "The Working Party could not be clearer - the implementation of these recommendations is essential and should be undertaken on a national basis to have full effect".
HRA Chairman, Mr Geoff Want, praised the efforts of this important work, "Wagering is critical to fund the harness racing industry and under constant pressure from a range of sources. Our industry funding model requires careful management and constant monitoring, so we are thankful for this work, its insights and the positive changes that can come of it."
A copy of the Report is available by clicking here. Note this is an edited version as the on-line survey component of individual (confidential) responses has been removed.
HRA Members have been asked to respond to the recommendations by 1 December 2014, at which time an implementation plan will be determined.
For further information please contact Andrew Kelly on 03 9227 3000.
