A few years ago my TAB account was locked because I tried more than three times with an incorrect account/PIN to log-in. Something had gone amiss as it was my first attempt. I phoned their hot line and after providing the necessary info they opened my account.

Yesterday it happened again - my first attempt to log-in came up with the message that it was locked because I had tried more than three times to log-in with an incorrect account/PIN.

I phoned their hot line. There was a recorded message to input my account and PIN. When I followed their instructions the recorded message said I used an invalid number. I could not get through to a real person to have my account reactivated.

This a.m. I sent them an e-mail informing them what had happened and if there was a telephone number where I could talk to someone to have my account unlocked. To their credit I got an immediate reply - I had to print one of their forms and then take it to a TAB outlet, which I might do tomorrow. I don't have a fax machine as faxing is an alternative option.

It seems their service has gone backwards in spite of increased competition. As previously stated a few years ago one phone call would have solved it and I would have bet with them yesterday, so they have lost some revenue. And I would not be surprised if this situation has also happened to other account holders.

If I had a bet with them today my bets would be boxed duets and trifectas. If anyone's interested the selections would have been:

Canberra R3 nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 14
Canberra R4 nos. 1, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19
Swan Hill R6 nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 14
Swan Hill R7 nos. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9
Wodonga R6 nos. 1, 2, 3, 5, 8
Grafton R6 nos. 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11
Grafton R7 nos. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 14, 17
Sun Coast R6 nos. 1, 3, 5, 6, 9.

Duet outlay of $154
Trifecta outlay of $1,542

Maybe the TAB has done me a favour if my selections lose.