Betfred agrees major racecourse deal

THE enlarged Betfred Group has announced a major new sponsorship deal with Ascot and 31 other race courses.

The agreements will allow Betfred and its subsidiary Totepool to provide pool betting services and on-course betting shops at many of the UK’s many courses.

The deal is worth over £14.7m to the racecourses in sponsorship alone during the term of the agreement, which runs to July 2018.

The 31 race couses which are part of the Racecourse Media Group include Aintree, Cheltenham,  Newmarket, Epsom, York, Newbury, Goodwood and Sandown will be joined by Ascot from next year.

In addition, the deal ensures Betfred and Totepool’s significant portfolio of race sponsorship – including the Ebor, Cambridgeshire and Cesarewitch Handicaps – will continue across all the 32 courses.

Richard FitzGerald, chief executive of Racecourse Media Group said:
“Both Betfred and Totepool are committed to developing the on-course business by working very closely with the racecourses.

“The aim is to not only provide a first-class service for racegoers but also to grow the business for the benefit of the sport as a whole.”
 
Phil Siers, the Totepool managing director, said: “We are delighted to agree this new long-term contract, and to extend a relationship which first saw pool operation start at Newmarket and Carlisle in 1929, to the RMG tracks of today.

“With this new deal in place, Betfred, through Totepool, will consolidate its position as the exclusive supplier of tote pool products on UK racecourses.

“Totepool will make a significant capital investment in the business and expects this investment to drive a high rate of return, and to quickly help Totepool and its partners deliver a flagship operation.”
 
John Haddock, Betfred’s managing director, added: “We are really looking forward to working with the racecourse management teams to develop and offer the customer the Bonus King brand which we are renowned for on the high street.”