Problem
Veikkaus aims to provide TotoTV customers with a seamless and real-time viewing experience where video clarity, low latency, and control are essential for making confident betting decisions. As expectations for live sports viewing continue to rise, Veikkaus saw an opportunity to take TotoTV to the next level: to reduce latency, improve image quality, and introduce modern viewing features. This clear vision led to the search for a next-generation, low-latency video distribution solution.
Solution
After a public tender process, Dolby OptiView was selected to overhaul TotoTV’s streaming service, thanks to its world-class reliability, performance, and image quality. Dolby OptiView delivered a new end-to-end streaming solution that drastically improved TotoTV’s live broadcasts. With OptiView, Veikkaus cut end-to-end latency from ~10 seconds to about 3 seconds (of which 2 seconds are used in the production chain), enabling near real-time streaming. The platform now consistently delivers full HD video, so viewers enjoy crisp, clear images of every race. Importantly, OptiView introduced a rewind feature in the live stream, allowing fans to pause and replay critical moments. The deployment of Dolby OptiView was smooth and phased: Veikkaus rolled out the new service area by area, without needing a separate pilot, ensuring a controlled and seamless transition for all users. Dolby OptiView also powers live streaming across Veikkaus betting shops throughout Finland, ensuring consistent, high-quality viewing experiences in every location.
Dolby OptiView allowed us to reduce latency from about 10 seconds to 3 seconds, consistently raise image quality to HD level, and implement the rewind feature.
— Timo Lämsä, TV Production Manager at Veikkaus
Outcome
Technical Innovation
TotoTV’s streaming infrastructure has been transformed. Races are now broadcast with minimal delay (~3s) and stable HD quality. This technical leap means that even as Veikkaus streams around 2,000 events annually, the system keeps up with the pace of live racing. The new rewind functionality is a first for TotoTV – a significant technical enhancement that lets viewers scroll back during live broadcasts. Together, these innovations ensure Veikkaus can reliably deliver near real-time content, which is crucial for horse racing where every second and detail matters.
Business Impact
The service upgrades have strengthened Veikkaus’s core betting business. By providing faster, higher-quality streams, TotoTV usage has increased and bettors are more engaged, leading to higher customer satisfaction. The low latency streams support informed betting decisions and customers can watch right up to the last moments before a race starts, confident that what they see is virtually live. Veikkaus has also been able to expand its reach internationally. For example, with Dolby’s solution in place, Veikkaus can now distribute content like Eurojackpot draw broadcasts from Finland to other European gaming operators in real time.
Shorter latency, higher image quality, and the rewind feature have strengthened the quality of the service for both domestic and international horse racing broadcasts.
— Timo Lämsä, TV Production Manager at Veikkaus
User Experience
For viewers and bettors, the TotoTV experience has improved dramatically. Fans watching races on Veikkaus.fi or at betting halls now enjoy action that’s just 3 seconds behind real life, essentially in sync with the live event. The picture is sharp HD, which makes it easier to follow the horses and their numbers, even at high speeds. New features like rewind on live broadcasts put viewers in control: they can rewatch horses warming up as they strategize bets or instantly replay the final seconds of a race to catch a photo finish. The improved service has been met with positive feedback, as bettors appreciate being able to see everything clearly and on time.
We’re pleased that broadcasts can now be viewed more in real-time and in full HD quality. The new service improves our customers’ viewing experience.
— Timo Lämsä, TV Production Manager at Veikkaus
About Veikkaus
Veikkaus is Finland’s national gaming company, offering a range of gambling and betting services in a responsible manner. The company operates both online (via Veikkaus.fi) and through physical outlets and gaming venues across Finland. One of its popular services is TotoTV, which is the go-to source for live horse racing action in Finland. TotoTV allows Veikkaus customers to watch all Finnish Toto harness races live for free, and it also broadcasts a wide selection of international horse races. These live streams are integrated with Veikkaus’s betting services, enabling customers to place informed bets as they watch.
