According to Victoria Bates of City AM, Bodog Europe may buy the Tote.
Friday 30th October 2009
The Horserace Totalisator Board, universally known as The Tote, a bookmaker based in Wigan, was created as a state controlled alternative to illegal betting. However, a few weeks ago, the government announced plans to sell the organisation to try to ease the public debt.
The Tote currently has 540 high street shops, presence at 60 racecourses around the UK and is represented on the internet under the brand Totesport. It is thought that Bodog Europe, part of the Bodog brand may make a bid as part of a plan to build up its horse racing wing.
City AM discovered that managing director Keith McDonnell, previously managing director of the The Tote’s online betting wing, originally thought of an online partnership with The Tote. He refused to confirm a bid, saying only: “Any internal conversation about a deal remains confidential.”
The Shareholder Executive, the government department responsible for selling off assets, declined to comment.
