Betfred targets international growth with new tote platform

Betfred says it remains on track to launch the first phase of its new multi-channel tote betting platform in May, as part of plans to grow its Totepool business in Asia and the US.

The operator first announced it would outsource its entire UK Tote technology platform to Sportech in a 10-year deal worth around £9m in June last year.

And speaking to eGaming Review this morning, Betfred Totepool MD Phil Siers said the deal would ensure “better connectivity across the world” and improve its ability to “co-mingle pools” with “Asia and the US of particular interest”.

Sportech is in the process of integrating a new digital framework for betting on mobile devices, online and through self-service terminals using its Quantum System and proprietary Digital Link betting technology. The roll-out will take place over three phases, and is due to completed by the end of the year.

Sportech CEO Ian Penrose said the technology operates “more efficiently” and provides “a better service for the racegoer” than the current platform.

“Digital Link is just one part of the system upgrade where racecourse customers will see a user enhancement,” Penrose told eGR.

“This includes being able to put cash into a daily account on a mobile device, and play from the mobile during the racing at the racecourse, and being able to cash out at the end of the day,” he added.

Betfred gained the exclusive rights to operate all Tote betting on British horseracing after it acquired the Tote for £265m in 2011, and had been seeking ways to consolidate the operations under one provider.

“The pool business has been growing since our acquisition in 2011, and this year’s pools are expected to grow towards US$1bn,” Siers said.