SPORTECH, the Walton-based international gaming group, has been granted a licence for its US arm to exclusively operate online horseracing betting in the state of Connecticut.

Sportech Venues Inc. received approval from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection to offer account wagering via the internet to Connecticut residents 18 years of age and older, which amounts to approximately 3.7 million residents.

The approval was granted under Sportechs existing licence to provide exclusive betting on horseracing, greyhound racing and jai alai in the state of Connecticut through telephone betting and off-track betting locations.

The company expects that its new online service should begin by next April.

Chief executive Ian Penrose said: When we acquired our North American business two years ago, we gave commitments to the regulators that we would improve the business for all of our customers and employees in the State of Connecticut.

We are delighted that we are now able to extend our offering to include exclusive wagering on horseracing on the internet, in addition to our existing retail and telephone exclusive wagering services.

He added: We will continue to build our business by offering secure, legal, pari-mutuel wagering on horseracing.