This may be part of the equation too
Our bookmakers were told on Thursday they are no longer welcome on subscription channel Racing UK in a dramatic heightening of British racing's stand-off with bookmakers over the controversial authorised betting partners initiative. Less than 24 hours before representatives of William Hill, Coral, Ladbrokes and Sky Bet were scheduled to attend a meeting with RUK to agree the next 12 months of paid-for appearances, the session was cancelled.
The betting operators/RUK's four on-screen betting partners, who have so far resisted overtures to achieve ABP status, were told the arrangement, which guaranteed branding and slots for the firm's spokespeople on a rotating basis in return for a six-figure fee each, would cease from the end of this month if there is no change in their position.
The cancellation of the meeting at such short notice indicated a sudden hardening of the line being taken by the sport in its attempt to persuade more bookmakers to pay the sport a share of their remote betting business which is not subject to levy.
William Hill's communications director Ciaran O'Brien said: "We are surprised by the move. It has come without any consultation. In fact we were on the verge of agreeing with the operators our full slots."
Under the ABP scheme launched at the turn of the year with the support of major racecourse groups Jockey Club Racecourses and Arena Racing Company only bookmaker signatories can enter into new sponsorship deals.
As a result Betfred have been replaced by Timico as sponsors of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the ending of Ladbrokes' backing of the World Hurdle was confirmed yesterday when Ryanair took over because of the bookmakers' continued non-ABP status. At the same time Ladbrokes declined the chance to continue running their betting shops at Cheltenham.
Only bet365, Betfair and 32Red have attained ABP status, while big retail bookmakers Hills, Coral, Ladbrokes, Betfred and Paddy Power, who pay levy at a higher rate on bricks and mortar operations, hold out.
British racing's rate card could also limit access to press rooms, parade rings and other parts of the racecourse to ABPs, but there is no sign of any imminent shift towards British racing's position.
O'Brien said: "I don't think this will change anything. We will continue to discuss things with racing through the Levy Board as per normal and will endeavour to find what we think is a fair arrangement. It is disappointing that the normal cause of business which we pay for contractually through the RUK arrangement won't happen because of this."
Richard FitzGerald, CEO of Racecourse Media Group, said: "RMG has agreed to support the authorised betting partner scheme in regard to sponsorship of Racing UK.
"We have enjoyed long and successful relationships with our four on-screen betting partners and have offered incentives for those bookmakers to join the ABP scheme in order for those partnerships to continue.
"We are keen to work together and are hopeful an agreement can be reached in the next fortnight."
