In addition to the extension of the Group's in:play product, the coverage of pre-match betting has also been broadened to include new sports, leagues and betting markets. As a result, Sportingbet offers one of the most extensive sports betting products available. This broad product offering is backed up by a best-in-class risk management and trading team. This is demonstrated by the continued market-leading sports margin, a margin that is achieved in conjunction with maintaining competitive pricing for the customer. The Board believes that the Group’s strength and expertise in this key operational area will stand it in good stead to capitalise on the significant potential in this industry.
During the year the Group launched websites into two further markets, South Africa and Romania. In South Africa, the Group acquired a licence for online sports betting in conjunction with a local partner and launched a localised site in February 2009. This market is currently immature and we are looking to the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals in South Africa to help build this business. In addition, the Group launched a Romanian language site in April 2009 in conjunction with our very successful Greek partner. This launch has been supported by the sponsorship of Steaua Bucharest, the largest and most popular football team in Romania.
