Pool operators link up for Ascot commingling project

Sportech, Betfred Totepool, Ascot Racecourse and the Hong Kong Jockey Club linked up for a commingling project during the 2019 Royal Ascot meet, it has been revealed.

The Ascot World Pool was set up as a pari-mutuel betting pool designed to maximise liquidity by combining tote betting from different outlets, including Ascot's on-course tote, Betfred's UK Totepool and the Royal Ascot pool hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Sportech’s Quantum System pari-mutuel betting system supported the project, with Sportech’s Global Quantum Data and Operations Centre delivering hosting and operational services.

Sportech’s chief technology officer, Raj Sanjanwala, suggested that the World Pool was just the first of a number of possible initiatives.

“Royal Ascot, I suspect, was just the opening chapter of the potential for pools that deliver increased liquidity for our combined worldwide client base,” Sanjanwala said.

“The World Pool initiative is indicative of what Sportech does best.  We listen to our client's ambitions and work closely with their teams to cooperatively deliver a seamless global solution. In this case, working with world-class partners Betfred Totepool, Ascot Racecourse, and Hong Kong Jockey Club to execute the solution live on the world stage, ultimately delivering a terrific result.”

Last month, Sportech executive chairman Richard McGuire confirmed that the technology provider will continue to focus on controlling costs in the year ahead, with the strategy having led to encouraging progress for the business following a challenging 2018.