Your first impression after the confirmation of your membership in November 2023?
We were thrilled and elated when we received confirmation of our membership in November 2023. Becoming part of this exclusive community is a major accomplishment for MST, serving as a well-earned reward for the hard work invested over the past year. We are confident that this milestone will not only enhance our standing in the national market, but also bring valuable advantages to the broader horse racing industry.
What can WoTA brings to your company? And what your company can bring to WoTA?
WoTA presents a valuable opportunity for MST to join an international network that, given its global experience, undoubtedly serves as a benchmark for a successful model. This affiliation provides MST with the chance to engage with a network of industry leaders and gain insights into best practices worldwide.
In return, MST brings a wealth of experience from a traditional and historically significant market, such as the Italian horse racing. Our expertise spans the entire spectrum of the industry, from the betting platform management to the horse racing pictures distribution through the MST TV dedicated channel. Our technological know-how and deep-rooted understanding of the Italian horse racing market position us as a unique contributor to the WoTA community. We believe our insights and innovations can further enrich the collective knowledge and success of WoTA, fostering a mutually beneficial exchange within the association.
What can WoTA do differently (or change priorities) to become even more relevant for you?
We sincerely appreciate the valuable contributions that WoTA has made to the horse racing sector thus far. It serves as a platform for amalgamating diverse experiences, elevating awareness within the racing sector, and enhancing customer engagement. While recognizing the achievements to date, we believe there is room for further enhancement.
To deepen our understanding of each distinct market, we propose the establishment of specialized sessions. These sessions would provide an opportunity for a more in-depth exploration of each partner’s product, facilitating the identification of the most representative races in each country. We are confident that this tailored approach can significantly contribute to the expansion of knowledge and foster increased collaboration within the association.
What are the most important challenges your company is facing in 2024?
In 2024, one of MST’s primary objectives is the launch of ITA (International Tote Alliance), which holds considerable significance for our company. This initiative represents a historic milestone, enabling us to broaden the user base interested in Italian racing and, consequently, fostering the development of the national market. Over the past few years, we have witnessed a growing interest in our product from enthusiasts. The introduction of an international totalizator through ITA has the potential to capitalize on this momentum, driving an increase in collection. This, in turn, has the potential to influence legislative decisions in Italy, encouraging a re-evaluation of the taxation on horse betting. Such a shift could contribute to making the taxation structure more sustainable for bookmakers and foster improvements in the overall ecosystem.
What kind of relationship do you have with Tote/horserace betting operators?
To enhance our product, we aim to foster collaborative relationships with tote and horse race betting operators. It is our intention to involve betting operators in the international totalizator, seeking to create a more robust and comprehensive offering through cooperative efforts within the industry.
Where do you see your company in a 10-15 year’s time?
Over the next 10-15 years, we anticipate our company pursuing ambitious goals by continuing to invest, with a particular emphasis on technological innovation, which is a key strength for us. We have already initiated investments in our ambitious plan, primarily focusing on advancing our technology capabilities. Our main objective remains centred on expanding the reach of Italian racing fans, with a dedicated effort to cultivate a broader and more engaged audience for our offerings.
What do you do when you are not in charge of Horserace betting issues?
Apart from overseeing horserace betting issues, we are channelling our efforts into the development of a Betting Exchange platform. We firmly believe that this product has the potential to achieve the same success in our country as it has abroad. By diversifying our focus, we aim to explore and contribute to new opportunities within the broader betting industry.
Please tell us what is your best memory of a sport (horseracing or other) event you have attended?
Regardless of our extensive experience, we are consistently awed by the spectacular nature of the organized equestrian events we have attended. Notably, the Royal Ascot meeting, the Cheltenham Festival, and the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park have left lasting impressions in the realm of gallop racing. On the trotting side, we were particularly struck by the spirited atmosphere and warmth of the crowds at Solvalla and Vincennes. Each event has created unique and cherished memories, showcasing the grandeur and excitement inherent in the world of horseracing.