Liverpool-based betting operator Sportech Plc has inked an online and mobile pari-mutuel race betting technology deal with US racetrack and casino operator Penn National Gaming (PNG).
Sportech already has an exclusive deal to provide pari-mutuel betting services to PNG’s 12 racetracks and four off-track betting locations, as well underpinning the technology behind PNG’s online advance deposit wagering site eBetUSA.
On Wednesday, Sportech subsidiary Sportech Racing & Digital announced it has agreed to provide PNG with a new G4 framework for online betting, as well as Sportech’s Digital Link app for mobile betting, while also providing tech support, customer care and call center services.
The deal, which takes effect in January, will allow PNG customers to utilize a single account and digital wallet to wager on the ponies, be it via online, mobile, telephone or a BetJet betting terminal at a PNG venue.
Meanwhile, Sportech issued a trading update covering the period between Aug. 21 and Nov. 9, during which the company says its Racing & Digital business performed “slightly above” the same period last year.
The company’s contract to operate race betting in California ended in October and Sportech says it’s taken “restructuring actions” to help offset the loss of this revenue stream.
The company also cancelled its loss-making deal with the German Tote and will therefore close its European Operations center at the end of December. Sportech’s remaining activities will be integrated into its New Jersey data and operations center.
The Sportech Venues division reported betting turnover was back in line with expectations following a downturn earlier this year due to severe weather in the US northeast. Overall handle is down 6% year-on-year but online wagering is up 53%.
The Football Pools division is also in line with expectations, despite a 20% decline in new player signups – although online signups improved nearly one-third – due to a planned reduction in telephone activity. The deal to sell the Pools division to Canada’s Contagious Gaming may have fallen through, but Sportech says it’s reviewing other offers.
Finally, Sportech’s longstanding VAT dispute with the UK taxman was supposed to have its latest court date last week but the rendezvous with destiny was postponed due to lack of judicial availability. No new date has been scheduled.
