Attheraces win race for TV betting rights

The company that was awarded the media and on-line betting rights for 49 of the 59 British racecourses, Attheraces, has signed agreements with Ladbrokes, Sportech plc, and Surrey Sports to provide fixed odds betting for a period of two years from the date of the launch of attheraces' iDTV channel.

The agreements mean that fixed odds services will be available on the attheraces' internet and television channels. Chris Stoddart, CEO of attheraces, said: "While we are a pool betting platform, fixed odds betting is the most popular form of wagering in the UK at present, and these strategic alliances will complement our pari-mutuel income."

The attheraces website, www.attheraces.co.uk, offering pool betting and live racing, was launched in December, and its sister television channel, on the digital satellite platform, will be launched in May 2002.

John O'Reilly, managing director of Ladbrokes eGaming said: "Betting via interactive television has vast potential, something Ladbrokes has been aware of since taking the first ever bet via interactive television.

"attheraces offers a great service for horseracing fans - and as the big High Street betting brand offering fixed odds betting on the attheraces web and TV services, Ladbrokes is well placed to benefit."