TAB shops open doors again

GOOD news for bettors is that all TAB branches are up and running.

Betting shops in many provinces have been closed since end of June due to the move to Level 4. That resulted in TAB bets only being available to online and Telebet customers.

Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech on Sunday and further relaxations to the lockdown level, TAB branches opened their doors to the public yesterday.

This news could not have come at a better time as the racing industry is in the runup to the massive Gold Cup meeting at Greyville on Saturday, with four Grade 1 races and six other features being contested.

The meeting is being simulcast around the globe with world pools allowing bettors across the world to bet into the meeting. With the massive world pools on offer, local bettors will be able to get their bets on in-store.

There are also a number of massive carryovers at the meeting, the biggest of which is the R5-million to kickstart the Pick 6 pool which is likely to reach R15-million.

The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) have also announced the lifting of certain restrictions. Racing operators are now permitted to allow owners to attend race meetings subject to the Covid lockdown regulations being strictly adhered to.

Interprovincial travel for jockeys is also allowed with no restrictions.

The NHA reiterates that the proven non-pharmaceutical measures of wearing of masks, hand sanitizing/washing for at least 20 seconds and social distancing of at least 1.5m apart, is critical and the Chief Compliance Officer, Arnold Hyde, together with his team will continue to ensure same is done throughout a race meeting.

Please be reminded that the wearing of masks in a public place is mandatory and is one of the best ways to prevent transmission. –