On Tuesday, June 10, MTR Gaming Group, Inc. announced the recent implementation of a mobile wagering application that will allow its customers to place bets using their smartphones and iPads.
Now that smartphones and smart devices are prevalent in society, many businesses and companies are looking for ways to accommodate and benefit from this hi-tech advancement.
The horse-racing industry is no different.
“Our team saw an opportunity to provide a better service and user experience for our customers,” said MTR Gaming Group Inc. Acting President and Chief Operating Officer Joseph L. Billhimer. “More customers have smartphones these days and this technology allows us to provide those people with a simple and secure way to place a bet without them having to leave their seats.”
The mobile gambling platform will allow racetrack customers who sign-up for an account to bet on live or simulcast racing while they are on property in specific areas of the track facility.
The technology has been installed at MTR Gaming Group’s three regional racetracks including Presque Isle Downs & Casino, Erie, PA, Scioto Downs Racino, Columbus, OH, and the Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort, Chester, WV.
It is believed that by allowing mobile gambling at the racetracks it will attract a new generation of younger, technologically savvy patrons to horseracing.
“Younger folks spend more time on smart phones than older folks,” said MTR Gaming Group Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Fred Buro. “They use them less for talking and more for communicating with the entire world --- across multiple online channels and networks. It stands to reason that if an industry hopes to appeal to a younger demographic, it needs to communicate with them on devices they prefer and in the case of racing technology, on platforms they can relate to.”
The mobile wagering technology will allow customers to bet on most races in the nation while on property. The transactions take place over a secure wi-fi network. To sign-up for an account individuals must be 18- years-old and provide legal identification.
“It’s the simplest thing in the world,” said MTR Gaming Group Corporate Director of Racing Rosemary Williams. “Mobile betting is the ultimate convenience and we are very excited about it.”
(With files from MTR Gaming Group)