Queensland Race Wagering

Racing in Queensland includes greyhound, harness and thoroughbred. The Office of Racing provides the regulatory policy and framework as prescribed under the Racing Act 2002, which repealed the Racing and Betting Act 1980.

Queensland was the first Australian state to adopt on-course and off-course horse race betting. The first track was established in 1879. Queensland legislators attempted to eliminate off-course betting with the Suppression of Gambling Act of 1895, and it was officially made illegal in 1923. Legal off-course betting returned to the state when the Queensland TAB was established in 1962. Tabcorp, through its UBET/TAB Queensland business, is now the sole retail wagering licensee and wagering service provider in Queensland, holding exclusive rights to offer in-venue and on-course wagering for racing and sport until 30 June 2044, while also operating online alongside other corporate bookmakers that are taxed under Queensland’s point-of-consumption tax.

On 1 July 2010, the three racing codes of thoroughbred, harness, and greyhounds became one body under the Racing Queensland Limited (RQL). The RQL administers all codes of racing in the state.