Racing Victoria Chief Executive, Rob Hines, has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement that invitations to apply for the Victorian wagering licence have been issued to a shortlist of three wagering service providers.

The short-listed applicants announced by the Victorian Government today are:

• Tabcorp Holdings
• Tatts Group
• Ladbrokes PLC

The 12-year wagering and betting licence will provide:

• The right to offer both pari-mutuel and fixed odds betting on racing, sports and other events, including the only authority to conduct wagering and betting via an off-course retail network;
• The right to establish and operate the only betting exchange based in Victoria; and
• The right to offer approved simulated racing games

“We are delighted that the Government has attracted such a strong and competitive field to bid for the licence and we look forward to working with the successful applicant,” Hines said.

“The post-2012 wagering joint venture will be vitally important to securing a growing and viable racing industry so we are keen to see the licence awarding process completed as soon as possible and give the industry certainty about its future partner.”