Bodog Europe Could Buy Tote

Victoria Bates of City AM reported exclusively on Thursday that Bodog Europe is lining up to potentially by the Tote, just weeks after the government put the bookmaker on the block as part of plans to sell off £16bn worth of state assets to reduce the burgeoning pile of public debt.

The Horserace Totalisator Board, more commonly known as The Tote, is a British bookmaker with head offices in Wigan. Under the brand totesport the Tote has over 540 high street betting shops, outlets on Britain's 60 racecourses, as well as internet and call centre divisions.

Bodog Europe, part of the Bodog.com brand, is mulling over a bid in an effort to expand its horse racing operations. 

According to the AM City report, The firm's managing director Keith McDonnell, who was previously managing director of the Tote's online betting arm, is thought to have originally considered starting an online partnership with the Tote.

McDonnell yesterday refused to comment on his plans, saying: "Any internal conversation about a deal remains confidential."

The Shareholder Executive, the government department responsible for selling off the assets, was last night unable to comment.

Calvin Ayre, founder of Bodog.com, is set to premiere an online gambling news website focusing on the European market beginning next month.

Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com