by Anton Johan
UK gambling giant, Ladbrokes, has been shortlisted to obtain a wagering license in the Australian state of Victoria.
The group joins two other local companies, Tabcorp and Tatts, which were chosen as potentials to be awarded with the betting license that could be worth up to $4 billion a year.
The London listed Ladbrokes has established a presence in six countries around the world, and obtaining the twelve year license will be seen a coup for the group.
The three companies were chosen from "a strong field of local and international wagering operators," said the Victorian State Gaming Minister, Tony Robinson.
"The level of interest shown is a testament to the strength and prestige of Victoria's racing industry," he added.
The license will essentially enable the winning group to establish a fixed odds and totalisator betting system on various markets in Victoria, including horse racing, sports and so forth.
"The post 2012 wagering joint venture will be vitally important to securing a growing and viable racing industry, so we are keen to see the license awarding process completed as soon as possible and give the industry certainty about its future partner," said the Chief Executive of Racing Victoria Ltd., Rob Hines.
Other UK groups were also part of the bidding process, including the Irish sports betting giant, Paddy Power.
The Victorian government was criticized in the media for accepting a late application from Tabcorp after the final date had lapsed.
The final decision about the winner will be made by the end of 2010, according to the government.
