Daily Racing Form Launches DRFBets in Partnership With XpressBet

NEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Daily Racing Form (Daily Racing Form LLC) and XpressBet (an MID company) announced today the introduction of DRFBets, a marketing partnership that will provide Daily Racing Form's horse racing customers and new fans with a convenient new digital platform from which to place online bets.  DRFBets wagering accounts will be processed by XpressBet under the terms of the agreement. 

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"DRFBets integrates one-click betting capability that our members have been asking for," said John Hartig, CEO of Daily Racing Form.  Customer research indicates the number one request among DRF.com's members is adding the convenience of online wagering and live video capability, to accompany DRF's trusted industry news, expert content, track-specific coverage, and suite of premium handicapping tools.  Players that use DRF.com's differentiated software, DRF Formulator, can now place wagers without having to leave that environment.  Hartig added, "DRFBets is the most natural and important extension to Daily Racing Form's digital business and company mission, which continues to be after 116 years, equipping the horseplayer with everything he needs to succeed and enjoy playing this great game.  Hartig added, "We are thrilled to partner with XpressBet in this endeavor, an organization that is deeply committed to the horse racing industry and its fans."

DRFBets' commission compensation to the industry stakeholders (horsemen, track operators, individual states) will be identical to that of XpressBet, whereby all state and federal laws apply and all money is transacted through XpressBet into common pools. 

"We're incredibly excited to partner with Daily Racing Form to offer this truly innovative and convenient capability to horse racing fans," said Ron Luniewski, President of XpressBet. "DRFBets is consistent with XpressBet's core white-label strategy and we believe that XpressBet and MID, in partnership with Daily Racing Form can play an important role in broadening horse racing's fan base."

Daily Racing Form embraced a new mission in 2010 – to attract and grow new fans and cultivate thoroughbred racing's next generation of horseplayers.  According to Hartig, "Never before has there been more urgency to rebuild demand for the game.  We've seen that, even during a time of industry contraction, captivating stories like Zenyatta and Secretariat engage people emotionally with racing.  When matched with an inviting game experience, many of them become active players."  In 2010, Daily Racing Form's editorial coverage combined with new product offerings like DRF Weekend, DRF EasyForm, and DRF TicketMaker that appeal to a wide range of consumers, successfully brought in thousands of new enthusiasts who began playing.  Hartig added, "We've proven that we can attract new players -- we need to ensure we're creating an entertaining environment to keep them engaged and playing for years to come."

ABOUT DAILY RACING FORM

Daily Racing Form, "America's Turf Authority since 1894" for Thoroughbred racing horseplayers and professionals throughout North America, is the Thoroughbred industry's dominant multi-channel media company.  Launched in Chicago on November 17, 1894, Daily Racing Form is the only daily newspaper in the U.S. dedicated solely to the coverage of a single sport, publishing up to 2,000 unique pages of statistical and editorial copy every day, in as many as 30 daily editions, 364 days a year (with the exception of Christmas Day).  Its companion website, www.drf.com, is the most heavily trafficked horseracing destination, providing players with interactive past performances and exclusive handicapping and wagering tools.

ABOUT XPRESSBET

XpressBet, LLC, headquartered in Washington, PA, is a leading provider of advanced deposit wagering services on Thoroughbred, Harness and Quarter Horse racing online and by telephone.  Since 2002, XpressBet has been a trusted, secure and legal US-based resource for players, providing reliable, easy to use online and telephone interface along with the best customer service in the industry.   

SOURCE Daily Racing Form LLC