Netherlands-based De Lotto launched Internet sports betting via www.toto.nl in September of this year with initial plans to introduce SMS sports betting at the same time. It wasn't until Nov. 20, however, that Dutch punters could bet via SMS.
Following the inaugural SMS-enabled event--Germany vs. the Netherlands (the match of all soccer matches)--SMS betting became available for all toto products of De Lotto.
Via www.toto.nl or via SMS, players can register for SMS betting by dialing "TOTO 5678." To play, one must fill the so-called wallet, which can be done by using a credit card, Internet banking or normal bank transfers. As soon as the wallet has been filled, the betting can start
In May 2002, Triple P, quoted on the NASDAQ stock exchange since 1995, got the assignment to create the infrastructure for this new distribution channel. Triple P built a total solution, starting with a complete redundant "E-portal surrounding" with high availability, high performance and security. Additional preconditions were reliability (the system must be reliable and able to handle a high volume of users) and, above all, security (misuse should not be possible). Triple P was responsible for project management, delivery and installation. Backup facilities have also been implemented.
Ernst & Young has certified the complete infrastructure.
Toto is the only Lottery organization in the Netherlands with a license to organize sports betting (with the exception of betting on horses). The De Lotto sports betting products are: Toto-13, Toto-Select, Toto-Score and Toto-Tip.
The turnover for the Toto products in 2001 was 14,895,000 Euro, which was 6 percent of the total turnover for De Lotto and an increase from 13,512,000 in 2000. The total turnover of De Lotto was 244 million Euro, an increase of 11 percent over the turnover for 2000.