Commenting on the agreement Ladbrokes MD of eGaming John O’Reilly commented: FutureTV is the first global company to develop the technology to deliver interactive services via telephone and cable. This deal is a vital part of maintaining Ladbrokes’ lead in interactive TV into the future.
Ladbrokes is the only bookmaker to have launched interactive TV betting services in the UK – allowing customers to place bets via their remote controls. ‘Scorecast’, an interactive football betting service, is currently being used by Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) and Telewest digital cable customers. Vernons Matchball, an interactive football pools bet, was the first interactive betting service to launch in the UK and is currently available on CWC’s digital cable service.
Ricky Rand, CEO, FutureTV commented: Ladbrokes has already demonstrated its ability to lead the market in interactive betting and we are delighted to have a market leader on board to develop cutting edge content.
Under the deal Ladbrokes and Future TV also plan to develop eCash betting systems to enable bets to be taken via interactive TV using a Mondex smartcard – based payment system currently being developed by FutureTV.
