Ladbrokes look to License Victoria state.
23rd January, 2009
Ciaran O’Brian a Ladbrokes spokesperson yesterday confirmed the reports that it had registered an official interest in the wagering and gaming licence for the state of Victoria, currently held by Tabcorp, which was due to run out in 2012.
The report in the Australian newspaper ‘The Herald Sun’ stated that Kevin Hopgood the Ladbrokes International development MD, and Steve Maxwell their Chief information officer were undertaking a ‘meet-and –greet’ tour of key industry players this week, with a view to being invited to participate in the tender process.
The Herald Sun also reported that Hopgood “expressed surprise” during his visits to some of TAB agencies, realising that Ladbrokes’ screen technology was at least 15 years ahead of what they had to offer there.
During the tour, Hopgood made repeatedly emphasised the ability of Ladbrokes to cater for similar betting interests as those it had witnessed back in the UK. And stated he believed Ladbrokes could enhance the punters’ experience by introducing technology far in advance of that currently available in Australia.
Hopgood was later quoted saying “We see it as a market we could deliver in and deliver a very good proposition to the Australian punter.”
The license is not yet won though, as Ladbrokes are not the only interested party, and are not even favourite to win the license that honour has gone to Tattersall, however if the tour is productive, Ladbrokes are keen to proceed.
By Rommon
