UBA moving to expand sports betting network

The president of the United Bookmakers Association (UBA), Xavier Chin, said that new legislation which came into effect in May has paved the way for the bookmaking industry to expand.

Chin, who is the CEO of Track Price Plus Limited, one of the three entities which make up the UBA, said that combined with the nine-per cent gross profit tax implemented late last year, the new legislation will enable the industry to maximise its potential at a critical stage.

He recalled the frustration in recent years during which Track Price Plus was at the forefront of the lobby to get successive governments to level the playing field for the bookmaking sector.

"Although our efforts have borne fruit with the recent amendments extending opening hours from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and also allowing us to embark on slot machines and sports betting in a big way, the playing field is still not entirely level.

"I say this because the Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) OTBs offer live feed on local racing, whereas the bookmakers are unable to get live signal for themselves ... If it's not live it's dead," he declared.

"The minister must understand that this is a clear disadvantage to the bookmakers and only serves to encourage illegal activity.

"What's more, the bookmakers pay three times the revenues that is collected from the CTL OTBs," he argued.

"Looking at the bigger picture, 2011 could be a watershed year for us. Already, we have embarked on an intensive drive to expand the sports betting network, and following on the tremendous success we had with fixed odds betting on the FIFA World Cup, for which we offered better odds than our competitor, the sky's the limit."

Continuing, Chin said: "The Barclays Premier League kicked off in England last Saturday and business was good for us. We will also be offering fixed odds on matches during the upcoming NBA season and the NFL as well, not to mention UEFA Champions League.

"American football (NFL) has a significant following in Jamaica, and in so far as fixed odds betting is concerned, we are positioning ourselves to tap into that market when the 2010-2011 season begins," explained Chin.

'Slots' in select locations

Amber Stewart, chairman of Track Price Plus Limited, echoed much of the arguments put forward by Chin, adding that the UBA will be putting 'slots' in select locations islandwide by early 2011, as the new law allows up to five slot machines per betting shop.

The UBA comprises Track Price Plus, Champion and Markham Betting companies.

Track Price Plus, the pioneer in providing simulcast racing from the United States to punters in 1990, has recently gone back to its roots in offering same to its customers.

Chin revealed that Suffolk Downs, Monmouth Park and Yavapai Park in New Mexico are now available on a regular basis, while Finger Lakes is coming.

- O.C.