How the new Director of WoTA, Ylva Svensson, sees 2025 and 2026?

Can you describe your experience in the Tote betting business in a few words?

I have worked eight years for ATG, always with international business. I came to ATG without any experience from horse racing but took pride into learning everything. I was lucky to have colleagues with plenty of knowledge who introduced me to Tote Operation, horse men, international partners, betting protocols and much more. Together with my prior experiences with sales and contract it became a good match.  

What activities will you organise to motivate the interest and involvement of members in the coming months?

I will lead working groups for sports pools and increased commingling. I will also help Management of WoTA with analysis and documentation that is crucial for improved cooperation. I will be a link between members and the board.

What are the events in 2025 and 2026 where you will meet the members of WoTA?

I will be at the WoTA Forum in Berlin and I wish to visit Hong Kong later this year. ICE is a melting pot so I will most likely attend ICE in January. I will interact with all members both online and in real life. I wish to see many of the members in Stockholm for Elitloppet 2026.

What do you do when you are not in charge of Tote betting issues?

 I will work with business development at ATG and make sure to pass on knowledge about international operation to my new and existing colleagues. I will work on a few projects where my expertise can make a difference, for example how we can speed up and have high quality in our sourcing process and I would like to see some plans for next generation betting protocol. Commingling is important, it must be the core, and we can then add additional products and customers experiences around that. I want to see sport pools on a global scale for ATG and other WoTA members 2026.

Please tell us what is your best memory of a sport (horseracing or other) event you have attended?

My first time at Prix d’Amerique 2018 was a very strong experience, I was overwhelmed. Also the roar from the crowd at Cheltenham is forever stuck in my memory. But I must choose Kentucky Derby. I went for the first time this year.

I have dreamt about Kentucky Derby since I was a very young girl, reading about the fantastic horses and horsemen in books.  Someday, I promised myself, I will experience The Run for the Roses. And 2025 it happened!

I was in tears when I entered Churchill Downs. It is amazing to be part of a business community with such heritage. I want to contribute to its future.