ISBB eyes new growth opportunities with horserace betting launch

The Israel Sports Betting Board (Toto), the state-owned licensed entity that is the sole authorised sports betting provider in Israel, has launched a new horse race betting offering under the Racer brand.

Racer offers s a wide range of daily betting options, and also allows customers to take bets on British and Irish horse races under a deal with television broadcaster GBI Racing.

The races are broadcasted live from GBI through Toto’s retail points of sales across Israel, as well as through the operator’s Winner.co.il online platform, which is provided by sports betting solutions provider LVS and lottery specialist Lotsys.

Toto chairman Zach Fishbein said: “It is always great challenge to customize a new gaming platform especially in a country with no horse race tradition. We presume that Racer will play in the years to come a major role in the growth of our income and will enable us to increase our contribution to society.”

Toto will open 150 dedicated Racer points of sales across Israel before the end of the year, while a mobile offering will also be made available to customers alongside the online offering.

“Racer opens a new era of consumer experience based on a combination between both new technology and updated consumer demands,” said Toto CEO Itshak Lary. “Horse race betting is really a new growth engine for our company since it will attract new customers.

“Israelis are fast adapters of new games and gain a natural curiosity towards special platforms. This combined entertainment and sports experience suits well Israeli character.”