Tote links up with online betting giant

The State-owned gambling system at Irish race courses is today linking up with the world’s biggest online betting exchange.

The Tote system, traditionally only available at track-sides, will now be available to more than two million customers around the globe signed up to the Betfair site.

The deal between the state-controlled Horse Racing Ireland and the internet betting company is being seen as a significant development in the industry.

Alexis Murphy, Tote Ireland chief executive, said the link-up should put more cash in the pool for gamblers.

“Tote pools offer unique products and features which should be highly appealing to Betfair customers,” he said.

“In consequence, we anticipate this agreement will further enhance liquidity in the Tote’s pools and help us further increase our contribution to Irish racing.”

Tote Ireland is similar to the National Lottery in that it allows gamblers to bet against each other in a common pool rather than against the bookmaker.

Until now, punters could only bet through the Tote – short for Totalisator - at kiosks opened during meetings at 25 racecourses throughout the Republic, as well on the Irish and UK Tote websites.