VeCommerce Announces Major Contract in the European Wagering Market

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - VeCommerce Limited (ASX:VCM), a developer of natural language speech recognition (NLSR) and voice enabled e-commerce solutions, has confirmed its second major European contract to provide its NLSR solutions to the global wagering markets. VeCommerce will supply Littlewoods Bet Direct, the sports betting arm of Sportech plc, with a solution based upon it's voice enabled wagering application, VeBet. The system will allow users to check prices and bet on horses, greyhounds and soccer and will commence commercial operations early next year. It is VeCommerce's first 'transaction based' wagering contract, and will generate revenues from each call handled by VeBet. The system allows users to talk directly to Littlewoods Bet Direct's wagering systems, removing the need for callers to queue for an available operator to answer their call. Using speech recognition and communications technology, a punter could say, "Give me a price for 'Beckham ' to score first?" or "I'll have a tenner on 'Feet So Fast' to win." Steve Taylor, Director of Sports Betting, Sportech plc said, "By adopting such an innovative solution, we are delivering on our business strategy of maximising our brand value and developing new and exciting channels to market. VeCommerce is clearly the market leader in this industry and has the proven experience to enable us to proceed to full commercial operations as quickly as possible and with minimal risk." The new system will reduce Littlewoods Bet Direct's cost of processing each transaction whilst allowing their customers to place their bets from any telephone; anywhere and at any time. VeCommerce Managing Director, Paul Magee said, "In a short space of time, Littlewoods Bet Direct has become a key player in the UK gaming industry. It is very exciting for VeCommerce to be part of their growth strategy as new and exciting solutions are offered to punters in the UK gaming markets." Magee continued, "The contract with Littlewoods Bet Direct reinforces our long term strategy of leveraging the Australian success of our solutions into selected overseas markets. With Aussie bettors placing their wagers quickly, easily and reliably using VeBet, I am confident that Littlewoods Bet Direct and their customers will enjoy the same benefits." Application development will take place in Australia, with localization and implementation being undertaken by VeCommerce's European operations in the coming months.