TAB NZ recorded above budget profits for the first time in months thanks to strong returns from sports betting and domestic racing.
For the month to 31 January 2023, the gaming operator reported a profit of NZ$14.6m (US$9.1m/€8.6m/£7.6m), which was $0.3m above budget. In the sixth monthly trading update for the 2022-23 financial year, this was the first time the operator has posted a profit above budget.
Turnover of $230.1m was 0.9% above budget, in part thanks to a strong racing and sports calendar.
Following on from December, overall field sizes across all three racing codes in January were again either up on, or on par with, the year-to-date average. The peak meeting turnover of $6.6m was on 21 January for the Karaka Million at Pukekohe.
Test cricket proved an attraction for sports customers, with the second test between Pakistan and New Zealand, as well as the third test between Australia and South Africa, topping the list of sports events by turnover for January. Basketball w..