1000 new self-serve betting terminals will be set to issue their first tickets on January 8, as Woodbine Entertainment Group prepares changes for the "bettor."

"All of the Woodbine, Mohawk and Greenwood betting terminals, as well as the Champions teletheatres will be changed over on Tuesday. It's a pretty big move," said Sean Pinsonneault, Vice-President of Wagering Services at Woodbine Entertainment Group.

A customer who walks into Woodbine or one of the Greater Toronto Area's 24 teletheatres to play the races will immediately notice the conversion's most significant change - the installation of a state-of-the-art wagering terminal, which replaces the 'SAM' machine.

"Technology and customer feedback have driven the change," said Pinsonneault. "The faster, more sophisticated technology has allowed for the development of a product that can offer more to bettors than ever before. The self-serve terminals will have horse names and basic program information like trainer and jockey. Current odds are also on display with a coloured arrow head above them to show how they have changed since the last odds cycle."

For instance, if a fan chooses to bet the horse that jockey Patrick Husbands is slated to ride, he wouldn't even need to bring his program to the terminal.

Or, if a patron wants to play the favourite and can't recall whether the horse was the five or the six, the information at the terminal will refresh his memory.

The larger screens allow for larger choice menus. For instance, bettors can choose from a larger track list, instead of scrolling through many different screen pages and can sort the list of tracks by name, breed, or Minutes-To-Post. The larger on-screen area also allows for better navigation and faster construction of wagers.

Pinsonneault said HorsePlayer Interactive customers will also have quicker, easier access to their accounts. Most of the terminals have a tap-and-go feature, like you would see at a gas station. You don't have to swipe a bar code.

"The AmTote conversion will also provide customers who watch the races from a betting carrel with an exciting new experience because the television screens double as betting terminals. You can watch the race on them and you can make your bet," said Pinsonneault. "You never have to leave your table."

Woodbine and Greenwood customer service representatives have been providing customers with demonstrations for a few weeks now to familiarize patrons with the new terminals and carrels. The active assistance will continue through the next few months.

The new tote will be operated by AmTote International. AmTote is a leader in the industry, benefiting from more than 75 years in the business and more than 80 customers worldwide. AmTote replaces WEG's previous provider, Scientific Games.

John Siscos
Woodbine Media Relations