MTR Gaming Launches Mobile Wagering at Its Sites
CHESTER, W.Va. -- MTR Gaming Group Inc. has implemented a mobile wagering application that allows people to place bets from their smartphones and iPads. The mobile gambling platform allow racetrack customers who sign up for an account to bet on live or simulcast racing while they are on the property in specific areas of the track.
"Our team saw an opportunity to provide a better service and user experience for our customers," said Joseph L. Billhimer, acting president and chief operating officer, in a prepared statement. "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 technology has been installed at MTR Gaming Group's three race tracks: Presque Isle Downs & Casino, Erie, Pa., Scioto Downs Racino, Columbus, Ohio; and the Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort here.
MTR executives believed that allowing mobile gambling at the racetracks will attract a new generation of younger, technologically savvy patrons to horseracing. "Younger folks spend more time on smartphones than older folks," said Fred Buro, vice president and chief marketing officer, in a prepared statement. "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 allow customers to bet on most races in the nation while on an MTR property. The transactions take place over a secure wi-fi network, MTR says. To sign up for an account, an individual must be 18 years old and provide legal identification.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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