CrownBet invades Tabcorp’s turf via Clubs NSW online betting deal

Australian online sports betting operator CrownBet has reportedly taken a bite out of Tabcorp’s in-venue betting monopoly by scooping an official digital wagering partnership with Clubs NSW.

On Monday, multiple Australian media outlets reported that CrownBet, the online betting arm of casino operator Crown Resorts, had inked a 10-year deal to provide a bespoke online betting app for use in NSW venues, whose operators will earn commission on digital wagers made within their walls. The deal, which hasn’t been officially announced, could be confirmed as early as Tuesday.

While Clubs NSW’s 1,350 members won’t be forced to sign up with CrownBet, the majority are expected to accept the CrownBet service, as club operators have long expressed annoyance with the fees Tabcorp charged to host TAB outlets.

The deal will reportedly allow NSW venue operators the option of continuing to offer traditional TAB wagering services but CrownBet will be allowed to install cash redemption machines in the clubs that allow punters to claim betting winnings in cash. Previously, collecting online winnings required punters to transfer winnings to their personal bank accounts.