|
 |
 |
 |
PMU-betting shops in France are on a now winning
streak with the CB bankcard. A new field where the card should get
the best odds.
|
For several years now, punters have been able to
top up their PMU Direct account with their bankcard over the Internet,
by Minitel or the Equidia theme channel, but the 6.5 million
punters who bet at the PMU's 8000 outlets across the country were
deprived of this facility despite their representing 95% of the organisation's
sales (7 billion euros in 2003, up 9.5%). The only way they could
pay was in cash or by reusing their winnings in compliance with the
strict regulations governing betting activity. To offer this new service
to its customers (82% of whom have a CB card) and help drive sales
at its outlets, the PMU decided to take the innovative step of offering
betting payment by CB bankcard. "After examining the issue internally,
we began discussions with Cartes Bancaires and the banks in June 2002.
We took the time to define together an electronic payment system adapted
to our area of business that would comply with gambling legislation",
indicated Gilles Bourron, Manager of Cash at PMU.
 |
 |
| The PMU's target
is for 300 outlets to be equipped with an Eftpos terminal by
30th June 2004. |
|
On 24th December 2003, this approach resulted in the creation of an
electronic payment contract specific to PMU's business. It defines
the conditions of bankcard use authorised for the payment of bets
of between 30 and 760 euros. Three tests are underway, two in
Paris and one in Orléans. The initial results show that card
use is stable. It is used by an established clientele whose bets are
higher than the average. Given this finding, PMU has launched a marketing
offensive to convince 700 outlets to offer their customers the choice
of this new method of payment. The aim is for 300 outlets to install
an Eftpos terminal by 30th June this year. A sort of trial run for
the CB card prior to its comprehensive rollout.
For more
details:
http://www.pmu.fr/ |
|
| Back
to top of page |
| |
|
|
|
