Tabcorp boss Gill McLachlan reveals bold, new vision for TAB's 3700-strong retail outlets
WELCOME to renovation rescue - TAB style.
Gillon McLachlan's bold, new vision for the future of TAB will gain momentum this week as the wagering giant sets about a revitalization of its 3700-strong retail network.
Languishing for too long and losing ground to its opposition as the digital age takes hold, McLachlan has identified bringing TAB's expansive retail offering up to modern day expectations as a key priority.
'We know we can be better,' McLachlan said.
'This will be the biggest upgrade to our retail network in the country's history because we want more people going to pubs and clubs.
'Going forward, there is no more important part of the strategy of TAB than the retail networks, some parts are of equal importance, but nothing is more important.
'We are focussed on turning the old, tired TAB/Pubs into an omnichannel entertainment experience.'
The overhaul will see the old electronics betting terminals (EBT's) phased out over time and replaced with modern, smaller and more user friendly EBT's that are similar to the TAB's always evolving App offering.
Bigger, more futuristic screens will also be installed across venues which will also see the demise of the teletext system with the old odds screens to be replaced with screens that again mirror the TAB App.
'I call this the death of teletex in venues,' Tabcorp Chief Commercial Officer Jarrod Villani said.
'Rather than the old teletext screens, the first step of the upgrade is to get better, clearer displays to give venues an instant uplift.
'This will start rolling out from this week.'
The fresh, new retail rollout will also see 'bump stations' come to life which will offer TAB customers a seamless In-Play betting outlet.
While In-Play betting is available on the old school EBT's, the bump stations, currently being trialled in select venues, will allow for a far cleaner experience.
By simply placing your phone against the Bump Station, you will be directed to the TAB app live betting option where you can then wager as normal, negating the onerous need to place a call.
'We think this is a real game changer,' Villani said.
'We think it will engage customers across the week because it applies to all sports.
'Why do we think it's such a big game changer?
'In-Play betting is 50% of the global market and it's about 4 or 5% here in Australia.'
With upgrades to begin this week across the network, Villani expects the full rollout to take about three years.
'We are going to start an EBT renewal program across the country,' he said.
'There's been a lot of discussion about terminals. Whether you are looking at our terminals or our screens or the way Sky is played - they look like they come from three different organisations. We're on a journey to create one seamless view of the way people should experience TAB.
'The experience on our terminals will be very similar to that on our app, simpler and much easier to understand.'
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