Sportech PLC Agrees Contract to Supply Horse Race Betting Technology for Penn National Gaming Incorporated

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Jul 24, 2013, 08:32 ET

LONDON, July 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sportech PLC ("Sportech"), one of the world's leading operators and suppliers of pools and tote gaming, announces its U.S. division, Sportech Racing LLC ("Sportech Racing"), has signed a six year contract (with potential for two 1 year extensions) with Penn National Gaming Incorporated ("PNGI" or "Penn National Gaming"), the largest owner and operator of racetrack and associated betting facilities (together with numerous casino and slot machine venues) in the United States.

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Sportech Racing's contract with PNGI provides betting technology and associated services to numerous PNGI-owned and/or operated properties across nine States and covers up to 11 racetrack properties, five off-track wagering venues and an Internet and telephone account wagering service.

Sportech has the largest operations in the United States of any UK gaming company where it currently processes 50% of all horseracing bets. This win further strengthens Sportech's presence in this significant marketplace and the Group remains well positioned for future deregulation across the country.

Ian Penrose, Sportech CEO, said: "We are delighted to have secured this long-term contract with Penn National Gaming, the largest racetrack and associated betting facility operator in the United States. This further strengthens our position in the United States, and builds upon the international momentum following sales to the UK Tote and a contract with Danske Spil, the State owned Danish gaming operator, earlier this year."

Andrew Gaughan, Managing Director of Sportech Racing, stated: "We are very pleased to have been selected by Penn National Gaming to be the exclusive provider of pari-mutuel wagering services across their properties and for their growing family of racing operations. Sportech PLC's ongoing investment in our Racing and Interactive technologies and services will allow us to serve the current and future needs of Penn National Gaming, and to deliver industry-leading solutions that will allow them to remain on the leading edge of horseracing and wagering entertainment."

Christopher McErlean, Vice President, Racing at Penn National Gaming, said: "We sought to enter into a partnership with a company that would bring significant advantages to Penn National Gaming in the form of improvements to the customer betting experience, increased compatibility between our properties, and delivery of improved operational efficiencies. After a thorough competitive bidding process, we determined that Sportech Racing was that partner."

About the Contract

Sportech will continue to provide services to Freehold Raceway and its associated off-track wagering venue, Zia Park Racetrack and Casino, Sam Houston Race Park, Valley Race Park and Sanford Orlando Kennel Club. From January 1, 2014, Sportech will begin providing new services to eleven 11 PNGI properties, including Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, its off-track wagering venues and account wagering services, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Rosecroft Raceway, Hollywood Casino, Hotel & Raceway Bangor, and to properties currently in development, namely, Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway and Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course. Sportech – through its subsidiary eBet Technologies – will continue to provide a customized Internet wagering service to Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course via its eBet USA account wagering website (www.ebetusa.com).

Sportech Racing's betting platform solution for Penn National Gaming is anchored by Sportech's Quantum™ System, which will be connected to BetJet™ Series and other Sportech betting devices deployed across Penn National Gaming's properties. All racetrack locations will be eligible to receive Sportech's on-track mobile betting service, which allows patrons to securely and conveniently wager using their own web-enabled smart phones or tablets while at the racetrack. Sportech will host and manage the solution from its Quantum™ Data Center in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, which recently underwent a $2 million refresh of server hardware and virtualization software to provide a state-of-the-art dedicated wagering infrastructure and operations to its racing industry customers.

About Penn National Gaming

Penn National Gaming owns, operates or has ownership interests in gaming and racing facilities including slot machine and other casino gaming entertainment. The company currently operates twenty-nine 29 facilities in nineteen 19 jurisdictions, as well as an advance deposit wagering service that allows eligible players to bet on horse racing over Internet or by telephone. www.pngaming.com

About Sportech PLC

Sportech PLC is a sports gaming and entertainment company and one of the world's leading pool betting organizations focusing on highly regulated markets worldwide. Sportech provides betting technology for football (soccer), horseracing and greyhounds, processing over $13 billion in bets annually with a presence in 30 countries. Sportech also has a developing e-Gaming business. Sportech is headquartered in London, England with operational offices in Liverpool, England, Atlanta, Connecticut, California, New Jersey, Netherlands, Germany and Ireland. For more information about Sportech PLC, please visit www.sportechplc.com.