More independent bookmakers are signing up for SIScom, the audio solution for shops launched by SIS.

SIScom was introduced almost two years ago following discussions with the Association of British Bookmakers, whose members were concerned by the disjointed audio presentation in their shops due to commentaries from SIS and Turf TV.

SIScom is operated by using a switching device at SIS headquarters that allows shops to move seamlessly between races without the commentaries competing with each other or confusing the punter.

The major shop chains, amounting to around 8,450 sites, broadcast their own audio, but around 900 independents take SIScom with that figure due to rise to around 1200.

Brent Dolan, Commercial Director, SIS, said: “All leading independents – Jennings group, Stan James, Dave Pluck, Mark Jarvis, Scotbet and Metrobet are taking or are about to take SIScom. It solves a problem for those shops or estates which don’t have their own solution.”

SIS has decided to peg the one-off installation and hardware charge at £75, although it has had to ask for an annual maintenance charge of £25 to all customers due to the rising costs in providing the service.

Added Dolan: “With the loss of some off-tube commentaries in shops, SIScom is very useful to those customers taking Turf TV and SIS. We’ve pegged our one-off fee to help customers through this transitional period. We’re asking for a minimal maintenance charge, but this will ensure we replace faulty units as and when required.

“We are prevented from assisting those customers who do not take Turf TV. However what this does prove is that almost all customers taking Turf TV are either using their own audio or the SIScom unit within their estates/sites. It also means a large majority of Turf TV customers are reliant on SIS for SIScom and pre-race and race-day data - everything apart from the pictures.”