Edited press release
In what is being called the first commingled simulcast of United States races to South Africa, Wyvern International in Louisville, Ky., on March 27 facilitated the transmission of races from Philadelphia Park Casino & Racetrack to the country.
The Philly Park signal was available at South African racecourses and off-track betting parlors, and through an account system. Wagers placed by South Africans were successfully commingled into pools at Philly Park. The 10-race card March 27 was viewed by South Africans beginning at 6:25 p.m. South African time, or 12:25 p.m. Eastern time (U.S.).
“We were able to achieve this success by putting politics and international borders aside and just getting the job done,” said Mervin Gamble, business development manager for Phumelela Gaming & Leisure, the principal South African wagering, racing, and distribution company.
The simulcast was beamed from Philly Park to Wyvern International’s studio and sent through the company’s fiber optic DS3 network to Johannesburg, South Africa, via London, England. Wyvern International also was responsible for implementing the infrastructure for the tote connection between the U.S. and South Africa.
Philly Park and Phumelela Gaming and Leisure have asked Wyvern International to facilitate additional days of racing to South Africa beginning April 3. In addition to this international first, Wyvern International has introduced South African and British racing to North America, and also began supplying Australian racing to North America in 1996.
The company currently distributes Australian racing seven days a week year-round to 18 different countries.
