PMU follows William Hill with message platform deal
Deal with Onionsack sees French operator provide bet placement via SMS and instant messaging
Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) is following the path of William Hill and Paddy Power by striking a deal to integrate Onionsack’s messaging platform, giving customers the ability to place bets through messaging channels.
The deal will enable PMU customers to text a bet in their natural language using SMS or Instant Messaging for free by using Onionsack’s sports betting software.
Alain Resplandy-Bernard, deputy CEO of PMU (pictured left), said the focus of the tender process was choosing the “right” provider.
“Onionsack are niche specialists in technology messaging in the global sports betting industry and we look forward to working in partnership with them,” he said.
Onionsack already provides its software to operators including Paddy Power, William Hill, Ladbrokes, Betfred and UK Totepool.
The PMU partnership marks the Irish-based tech firm’s first major deal outside the UK and Ireland, with CEO Jonathon Power stating the business would focus on opportunities in Europe, Australia and the US over the next three years.
“We are delighted that an Irish company has been selected against major international technology companies,” said Power.
The chatbot firm has also revealed plans to extend its platform to include Facebook Messenger and Twitter, which will “open up huge marketing opportunities for sports brands”, according to the company.