betinternet.com plc (betinternet), the Isle of Man-based international online and telephone betting service provider, this morning announced the forming of the Euro Off-Track Limited Partnership, a 50/50 partnership with Greyhound Channel, Inc. (GCI) that will enable punters from outside the U.S. to bet directly into U.S. totes, which will offer live broadcasts of U.S. greyhound and thoroughbred horse racing from more than 30 tracks. GCI already provides live greyhound racing content to The Racing Network and an Internet tote service.
As part of the deal GCI will initially provide live racing via satellite, and eventually over the Internet, to betting shops, casinos and other licensed gambling establishments. Additionally, Euro Off-Track will likely provide live international greyhound racing content to be transmitted to American customers. The partnership will also create a European hub and wagering communications center that will enable real time links directly into U.S. Totes and will potentially develop similar links with European Totes. Under terms of the deal Euro Off-Track will retain a portion of revenues generated via the hub.
betinternet Chairman Vincent Caldwell called the partnership a "tremendous opportunity," which will allow the company "to develop global strategic partnerships with other betting service providers throughout the world and at a stroke create a major international presence for betinternet."
Art Weaver, chairman and president of Derby Lane greyhound track, the parent company of GCI, said of the partnership, "We are pleased to announce our joint venture with betinternet as I believe there is a great synergy between our two companies enabling the seamless integration of totalisator wagering between America and Europe."