Kingsley Bartholomew backs National Tote to rebuild betting pools

Professional punter Kingsley Bartholomew has strongly backed Australia’s proposed National Tote, arguing the existing pools are too shallow for confident betting across win, place and exotic markets.

The One Pool product is expected to combine Australia’s three tote pools. Tabcorp is targeting an October launch, subject to final regulatory approvals.

“I’m pro-National Tote big time,” Bartholomew said on Giddy Up with Gareth Hall. “I think it’s a great opportunity to build those tote pools back up.”

Bartholomew said larger pools could renew interest in trifectas and jackpot-style products, provided Tabcorp supported the launch with carryovers, promotions and lower-percentage markets.

He also said value would depend on more than liquidity given that World Pool had offered little appeal because of its takeout, sometimes returning shorter tote dividends than prices available with fixed-odds bookmakers.

The National Tote arrives as Tabcorp attempts to arrest a long decline in parimutuel betting. Its tote pools have been declining by about five to six per cent annually.