Keeneland in Lexington will begin testing a mobile application that will permit some patrons to make wagers from their mobile electronic devices.
The FastBet mobile wagering app, which will be compatible with the iPhone, Android, and iPad, will be used by a limited number of bettors during the upcoming spring meet. According to Keeneland officials, up to 30 bettors will be selected each Wednesday of the race meet to participate in the testing of the wagering system. The bettors selected to take part would be allowed to make wagers via mobile devices throughout the remainder of the meet.
The mobile wagering app was approved by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission April 6. The users would load funds onto a swipe card that would enable them to bet and cash tickets.
All of the wagers would be processed through the track’s on-track wagering system as if the wagers were placed using conventional means.
Brad Lovell, Keeneland’s vice president, said the track wants to experiment with the application on a limited basis during the meet to make sure it works properly. It if works, there is a possibility it could be expanded to more users during the meet.
“We want to gauge how people use it on our wireless network,” Lovell said. “It it’s looking like a hit, we will sign up more on other days. We’re excited about it. We think it has a lot of promise.”
Although the app is not available for use off-site, Lovell said there plenty of opportunities when a patron with a mobile device wants to place a bet while at the track but are unable to easily get to the betting windows.