DigiNews by BTC has been supplied to independent betting shops since 2019. It is proving to be the most popular digital newspaper system for independent bookmakers in the UK and Ireland. The service now supports both BTC and Toals early price datafeeds. There are over 800 screens installed in over 250 shops.
The History of Digital Newspapers
Digital newspapers were originally developed using static screen displays which replicate traditional hard copy newspapers. These take up wall space and still require the customer to visit a number of screens to obtain information from all race meetings.
A second generation of display system were developed which make use of a small touchscreen tablet linked to a standard TV. This type of system makes better use of wall space, enables the customer to access all race meetings with a visit to one screen. This type of system is a major improvement on the original systems but lacks the flexibility of a full touchscreen system.
The latest version of DigiNews is the most advanced digital newspaper yet. It consists of a 43” 4K touchscreen monitor which displays all the days race meetings, both horse and dogs, together with virtual racing content. This is the third generation system of digital newspaper and it fully addresses the failings of earlier versions. Customers can obtain all information from one screen – no walking around the shop to find race cards. The touchscreen allows customers to zoom in on content – tapping a card brings up additional form for the runners. All form is available on one screen via simple touch to view functionality – no walking away from the cards to read the form. The digital newspaper has now come of age.
DigiNews by BTC
The BTC recognised the benefits of the new DigiNews and have worked with 2DB to develop it into a system that fully meets the demands of the UK and Irish independent betting shop industry. Various features have been developed from suggestions by BTC.
There is a “Next Races” column on the right hand side of each screen. This permanently lists the next three or four races to take place, this enables race-to-race customers to quickly find a race card without bothering other customers who are using the digital newspapers.
The BTC central studio will manage the DigiNews for independent bookmakers. To reduce the cost of managing a DigiNews infrastructure the BTC also have the ability to take in early prices from third party suppliers and provide those prices on DigiNews in shops supported by that EP supplier.
Adverts are inserted into the content on DigiNews but it is important to stress that this is not the primary purpose of a digital newspaper. Adverts assist in the composition of a page and provide reminders to customers of current betting opportunities.
Content included in DigiNews
Commercial terms have been agreed with PA for provision of race cards and form for use in the DigiNews. Prices from EP suppliers will be added to this content so that current prices for selections are available within the race cards. The PA content costs will be included in the charges from BTC for support of the system.
Why use a digital newspaper?
The present cost of the Racing Post Betting Shop Display Edition (BSDE) is directly linked to the number of betting shops subscribing to the publication and the cost of newsprint. There have been regular increases in the cost of this publication as newsprint costs rise and the number of subscribers reduces. Although the Racing Post have told BTC that the BSDE will be available for the next few years there are no guarantees, particularly if the digital alternatives start to be widely adopted.
DigiNews takes up less space allowing full access to all cards and form in a more efficient manner than newsprint or the earlier generation of static digital newspapers. Thus space is made available for SSBT’s, gaming machines and other new services.
DigiNews screenshots
The DigiNews is displayed in 4K UHD, it is impossible to reproduce the screenshots in 4K detail within this webpage, please hover over the image and click on View Full Image to expand in a new window where the full detail of the page will be available.
A page is available that lists the races coming up next.
This includes all live horseracing and greyhound racing but
excludes the virtual content. It will automatically update
as races take place. The page is ‘active’ and races will pop
out when touched. The DigiNews will revert back to this page and other information pages when it has not been used for a set period of time.
An alphabetical index page for horses running in the UK and Ireland is available to enable customers to quickly identify where a horse is running on the day. The page also indicates non-runners by striking through the horses name. Customers can now quickly identify if horses they follow are running that day and in which race.
