Racing Post
June 2011
Among industry figures preparing to knock on Betfred’s door after their success in bidding for the Tote will be representatives of Betsi Ltd, a London-based company that has twice had to introduce a superbet thwarted by the Tote sale process, writes Howard Wright.
Betsi, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the quoted company Bet Solutions International, has recently strengthened its boardroom representation by bringing in John Wright and Steve Shore.
Wright, who has held several senior positions in the advertising industry, including three years as MD of Saatchi & Saatchi, becomes a non-executive director. Chartered accountant Shore, who was with KPMG and Abbey National, has joined as finance director.
The appointments are intended to help Betsi, which is being advised by former Great Leighs owner John Holmes, focus in the short-term on providing sporting content – including British horseracing – that it says will be attractive to the betting and gaming industry.
Betsi devised the framework for a small-stakes superbet, based on six races of ten runners each, to be run once or twice a week, several years ago.
The company’s media director Gary Disley said: “It’s been frustrating as we have been ready to finalise a deal on two separate occasions only to have to break off due to the protracted sale of the Tote.”
New director Wright added: “Not only are there opportunities for the expansion of existing products, but also the development of new ones.
“We are particularly pleased that Fred Done has won the Tote bid, which brings stability to this great asset, and we hope to recommence negotiations with the Tote to develop a global superbet.”
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