Tote operators launch new global body

Tote gambling operators from all continents have created a new body to represent the trade. 

Belgium.- Twenty tote betting operators from Europe, Asia, the US, Africa and Australia have joined forces to create the World Tote Association (WoTA).

The body, which will be headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, aims to boost equestrian sport and create better conditions for operators internationally.

The founding members include from Europe the UK Tote Group, Tote Ireland, Sweden’s AB Trav och Galopp, and France’s Zeturf, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Australia’s Tabcorp, Churchill Downs and AmTote from the US and South Africa’s Phumelela.

Paul Cross, Head of International at Tabcorp, and Richard Cheung, Head of International Business Development at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, will jointly chair the new body for its first two years. 

Cheung said: “WoTA is an association to promote interest in tote business and drive prosperity [for the sector].”

ATG’s Chief Executive Hasse Lord Skarplöth has been elected deputy chair and Keith Johnson, Chief Executive of Stronach Group-owned US tote technology provider AmTote, will take responsibility for finance.

The body held its first general assembly virtually this month and established objectives and priorities, including collaborative best practice in the use of technology to ensure engaging customer experience, revenue contributions to support the horseracing sector and social responsibility standards.

The European Pari Mutuel Association and the Asian African Tote Association will transfer knowledge and achievements to the new Word Tote Association.

Skarplöth said: “I am convinced that this is a force needed to maintain and, in the long run, lift the world’s trotting and cantering sports to new levels.

“It will further simplify collaboration; we can benefit from the knowledge and different experiences, and act as a strong force for horse gaming companies worldwide.”

The UK Tote Group and Tote Ireland recently reached an agreement on a partnership deal for Irish tote betting.