Tote Tasmania: Mobile the first move in international plans

Last week’s news that the Tasmanian government had taken Tote Tasmania off the selling block and intended to restructure it for international operations has been followed by reports that Swedish mobile gambling company Mobenga has inked a deal with the company.

iGaming France and Overwatch Tasmania report that the deal was recommended by Agility Interactive, a consultant to Tote Tasmania.

Last week the state Treasurer, Michael Aird told a Government Business Enterprise hearing that Tote is a well organised and profitable business with strong cash flow generation, and will continue to provide solid returns for the government.

Aird’s comments heralded a new plan for the organisation, on which the government has taken off the ‘for sale’ sign on grounds that the bids did not satisfy the government valuation of the asset.

“Tote Tasmania has identified the need to find new markets, increasingly offshore, and alternative forms of revenue, based around its core activity, betting,” Aird said, adding that the organisation would continue to look to Asia and Europe to attract new customers, and has established relationships with a number of international operators to bring new product to its customers from Europe, Asia and North America.

“I expect Tote to announce some exciting initiatives in the New Year which will clearly demonstrate the internationalisation of the company,” remarked.  Among these will be a new international brand, along with an expanded business operation through acquisition and strategic alliances.”

Aird promised more action on the strategy next year, and it appears that e-gambling and mobile operations form part of the fresh start for Tote, with particular emphasis on mobile horseracing and sports betting. Early reports suggest that the mobile service will feature downloadable versions for Java applications, mobile Internet and iPhone.  The Mobenga package usually includes real time information content and speed betting.

Mobenga signed Paddy Power as a client last week (see previous InfoPowa report).