Entain Launches New Betting Platform
Betcha, operated by Tab and Entain, will be distinct from Tab in that it will not offer tote betting on racing but will provide fixed odds betting.
Entain has announced the launch of a new betting platform in New Zealand called Betcha. Targeted at younger demographics, Betcha was developed in response to the increasing threat posed by offshore betting operators.
Betcha, operated by Tab and Entain, will be distinct from Tab in that it will not offer tote betting on racing but will provide fixed odds betting. Both Betcha and Tab will operate as separate platforms, requiring current Tab customers to register a new account to use Betcha.
Last March, Entain entered into a 25-year partnership with Tab New Zealand, which was approved by New Zealand’s Minister for Racing in May 2023. Through this agreement, Entain will manage most of Tab New Zealand’s day-to-day operations.
Tab was established in 1950, and the launch of Betcha marks the first time since then that another betting brand based in New Zealand has been introduced. Betcha is a digital-only brand designed to appeal to bettors under 35.
Cameron Rodger, Managing Director of Entain Australia and New Zealand, commented:
“In the three months to the end of June 2024, New Zealanders’ spending with offshore betting operators grew by 30%, continuing a trend over the last three or more years.
“Offshore spending is now estimated to be over $180m per annum, led by the growth in offshore spending doubling in the 18-29-year-old age band in the last five years. Their betting activity provides little to no benefit for the New Zealand racing and sports industries, and these offshore operators are under no obligation to provide the same level of harm minimisation support and account management tools that Betcha will make available for Kiwis.”
Mel Kenneday, Entain Chief Marketing Officer, added:
“This new brand will emphasise the social and competitive value of sports and racing and introduce New Zealanders to the next generation of betting.
“This means we’ll be focusing on some of those events and sports that the newer generation have really shown interest in, like football, basketball, and UFC, with Betcha confirmed as New Zealand’s official wagering partner for UFC.”
