Irish bookmaker Paddy Power announced this week the launch of its wireless betting platform. The system, "Paddy Power Mobile," is a fixed-odds 2.5G Java Internet-based mobile betting service that enables punters to bet on racing, football, golf, GAA and other events.
The service was launched in conjunction with Paddy Power's AGM in Dublin, where company officials said turnover across the system increased by 18 percent during the first five months of this year. Officials also said they're optimistic turnover will continue to increase as the year progresses.
The technology for the wireless system was developed by Mfuse.
RSI Charged with Money Laundering
Law enforcement officials in North Dakota fielded 12 counts of money laundering charges this month against Racing Services Incorporated. The state claims RSI took part in illegal gambling through a facility in south Fargo between October 2003 and April 2004.
State officials claim RSI took in more than $99 million in wagers during that time, $6.5 million of which is owed to the state in overdue taxes from unreported wagers. The case would make RSI the state's largest creditors. RSI provides online information on thoroughbred racing throughout the country.
The news isn't all bad for RSI. A judge delayed liquidation of RSI's assets this month after a potential buyer for the company emerged. Horse industry veteran Richard Mullikin of Kentucky leads the group of potential investors. Mullikin and his investors are interested in at least the three betting sites in South Dakota for which RSI provides racetrack signals.
GIG and Victor Chandler Ink Deal
Global Interactive Gaming Limited and Victor Chandler UK have signed a deal to incorporate GIG's SportXction play-by-play race and sports betting system into Victor Chandler's Internet betting site. The new system, expected to launch within the next couple of weeks, will enable punters to bet on live horse racing and a host of other sporting events. GIG will get a share of the wagering revenue in exchange for providing the system while Victor Chandler will market and promote the system.
Youbet.com Takes on Virtual Horseracing
VIS iTV Ltd. announced the signing of a multi-year agreement with online wagering company Youbet.com through which VIS's I-Race virtual horse management and race entry game will be launched into the U.S. market.
Youbet.com's members can already watch and (in most states) wager on virtually 100 percent of all major U.S. horse racing content.
With the addition of I-Race, they'll be able to own, train and race a stable of virtual horses. Wagering on I-Race will not be immediately offered.
Both parties will jointly explore additional platform, product and territory opportunities.
Bell Claims British Racing Is Fixed
Shockwaves were sent throughout the U.K. racing industry this month after Chris Bell, CEO of Ladbrokes claimed that "one race per day in British racing is fixed."
Punters bet nearly £12 billion a year on racing, and Bell told the BBC there is speculation that organized crime is working its way through racing circles to influence the outcome of races.
Racecourse gossip has been rife with the suggestion that a criminal gang has been pressuring jockeys to ensure certain horses do not win. Phone records seized in police investigations will play a crucial role in establishing whether the rumors have any substance.
Champion jumps jockey Kieren Fallon, who was given a 21-day suspension for a controversial ride in March, faces a Jockey Club disciplinary panel after newspaper reported alleged race fixing.
Japan Revamps Racing Laws
Legislators in Japan have approved several reforms to the country's Horse Racing Law in an effort to reverse steady declines in handle over the last six years. The changes are the first amendments to the law in 13 years.
Handle for Japan's major circuit, the Japan Racing Association, peaked at $36.4 billion in 1997, but dropped steadily to $27.5 billion in 2003. Financial woes have led to the closure of six tracks in Japan's local circuit in recent years.
The revisions include approval for multiple-race wagers, such as pick six bets, although such bets will not be implemented right away.
"As the JRA is just introducing a new form of exotic bet, the trifecta, from this summer, serial race bets are not expected to be introduced for quite some time," the Japan Association for International Racing indicated in a statement published on its Web site. "The introduction of new wagers will most likely be done gradually, over an extended period of time."
The takeout rate for exotic wagers was officially set at 25 percent and win, place and show bets at 20 percent.
A law barring students of any age from betting was amended to allow students aged 20 and older to bet.
Smarty Jones Craze a Blessing to Bookmakers
All the publicity generated by Smarty Jones' quest to become the first horse to win the Triple Crown in nearly 30 years captured the hearts of casual bettors and increased turnover and handle on the Belmont Stakes, the last race of the Triple Crown, which Smarty Jones lost.
The horse captured the attention of race fans and punters from all over the globe, and its trainer, John Servis, said it will be back in action this weekend at Philadelphia Park after nearly a one-month layoff.
Jones' return to action is expected to garner a lot of attention, even though the Triple Crown title remains elusive, but the Belmont was the horse's first ever loss, and Servis said the focus now is on the Breeders' Cup in the fall.
"I know the bettors are chomping at the bit to place their money on Smarty again," he told the Associated Press. "And I know the bookies are anxiously awaiting his return too."