The Victoria Racing Club’s (VRC) $1.4 million investment in a high density Wi-Fi network will deliver high speed access for Flemington racegoers to online wagering providers, including the TAB and corporate bookmakers that have signed an agreement to access the service.
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Tabcorp is the VRC’s exclusive wagering partner, and racegoers can already access tab.com.au and TAB’s mobile apps at high speeds using the free Wi-Fi network on-course.
A number of corporate bookmakers have taken advantage of the VRC’s initiative to provide patrons with choice and the best possible raceday service.
Websites and apps operated by the wagering providers yet to enter an access agreement with the VRC will not be accessible by users of the Flemington Wi-Fi network. Customers of those providers can still access their online services using the existing 3G and 4G mobile networks.
The provision of Wi-Fi and the signing of commercial access agreements with corporate bookmakers enables the VRC to capture a percentage of the growing online betting turnover made via mobile devices on-course.
The agreements will ensure on-course bookmakers, who already pay a turnover based fee, are not disadvantaged.
The income generated from these agreements will support the ongoing investment in infrastructure and returns to racing participants. The VRC is currently rolling out an impressive program of facility upgrades while providing an industry leading $7.1million in prize money top-ups above industry distributions this season.
“The VRC commenced negotiations with bookmakers in August to allow the agreements to be in place for the Melbourne Cup Carnival,” said VRC CEO David Courtney.
“Many corporate bookmakers have now entered agreements with the VRC and we hope those remaining will move to better serve their customers on-course at Flemington.
“This Saturday’s Turnbull Stakes Day presented by Yellowglen will provide the opportunity for racegoers to experience the enhanced connectivity offered at Flemington.”
Flemington is the first racecourse in the world to implement the IBM Cisco Connected Stadium Wi-Fi solution, allowing racegoers to quickly and easily gain high-speed, concurrent Wi-Fi internet access from their mobile devices and smart phones as the action at the track unfolds.
The high density Wi-Fi network is expected to reduce data demand on existing 3G and 4G mobile telephone networks.