Racing Towards a Wireless Deal
by Andy Holtmann
Departments
Racing Towards a Wireless Deal
Sona Mobile, Daily Racing Form ink technology-sharing deal
Sona Mobile Holdings Corp., a New York-based company that has made aggressive inroads in gaming since the industry’s recent embrace of wireless wagering, has reached a strategic partnership agreement with Daily Racing Form Inc. (DRF), a national newspaper and online brand committed to coverage of horse racing.
An exclusive DRF-branded wireless portal will be developed under the partnership that will allow racing fans to access, via cell phones and other wireless devices, real-time content from DRF publications. Sona said its wireless application will provide horse racing fans with a modern and exciting interface for accessing racing news, editorial content, entry information for all North American tracks, racing results, live odds, video clips, and more.
“We are very pleased with today’s announcement,” said Shawn Kreloff, Sona Mobile chairman and CEO, adding that the two companies began exploring opportunities last year, and in December signed a letter of intent for the strategic partnership. “[This] definitive agreement solidifies our relationship. Our team is excited to start the development of the DRF-branded wireless portal.”
Sona and DRF will share equally in revenues generated from the partnership (excluding wagers), including subscriptions, advertising and other forms of revenue. Sona also has the right to use DRF’s content on other wireless wagering platforms.
“The alliance between our companies is a powerful one—it brings together DRF’s exclusive content and Sona’s cutting-edge technology, said Brent Diamond, president and CEO of DRF. “Together we are in a perfect position to bring the horse racing industry into the 21st century by addressing the needs of the ‘Blackberry generation.’”
