GMA Network unit, MJCI ink deal for mobile horse betting

The Daily Tribune

February 9, 2011

Media solutions firm GMA New Media Inc. (NMI) has signed a joint venture agreements with horse-racing operator Manila Jockey Club Inc. (MJCI) to expand the reach of horse-race betting to the internet and mobile phones.

NMI president and chief operating officer (COO) Judd Gallares said the corporation entered into a joint venture with NMI to “upgrade the leisure it provides to people.” He said Manila Jockey will provide not only traditional ways to bet but “improve its service by allowing people to place bets via internet and cell phones.”

Gallares said the GMA Network Inc. Subsidiary and Asia’s oldest horsetracking club will invest P10 million each into the new venture. “people can begin betting via new platforms during the middle of this year,” he said.

GMA network chairman and chief executive officer Felipe Gozon said infusing technology will make bettors “feel the convenience” in betting on horse-racing games, Gozon said options to bet on horse-racing games have exploded due to the present advances in technology such as “mobile productivity, internet, and multimedia tools.” He reiterated that the possibilities of digital technology can also be applied in many games like cockfighting.

MJCI chairman and president Alfonso Reyno Jr. saud the company’s partnership with NMI will expand the market of the present racing industry and upgrade the multimedia coverage applied by the company.

The older Reyno said the joint venture will lead the Philippines to become upbeat in horse-racing industry like the US Hong Kong Japan.

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