Retail

Upholding its commitment to diversifying its sponsorship portfolio of French sports, Française des Jeux (FDJ) has become an official partner of the Tour de France Women’s edition.  Beginning in 2022, France’s National Lottery operator will work with race organiser Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) to promote the ‘Tour de France Femmes’, to be on par with its male cycling counterpart. For …

BetMakers has taken another step in delivering its international growth strategy by finalising the purchase of Sportech’s Racing, Tote and Digital assets. The acquisition covers Sportech’s racing, tote and digital assets in the US, UK and Europe, widening the operator’s international customer base, as well as bolstering its position in the expanding US market. Integration of Sportech’s assets is also …

In his first address as Chair of The European Forum for Gambling Regulators (GREF), René Jansen has called for the European Commission (EC) to re-establish an ‘EU expert group’ on gambling laws and standards.  Jansen, the chairman of Dutch regulatory agency Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), made his address while participating in a webinar hosted by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA). …

The Oxford Stadium greyhound track is due to reopen in December, following the acquisition of a 10 year lease from owners Galliard Homes by Kevin Boothby. The stadium, located in the Cowley district of the city, last hosted greyhound racing in 2012, and Boothby – who manages Towcester and Henlow greyhound tracks – has also expressed an interest in reopening …

Smarkets’ sportsbook app SBK has committed to a long-term sponsorship of multiple title-winning jockey Richard Kingscote until October 2022. The agreement will see reigning all-weather champion Kingscote wear SBK branded riding gear over the next 16 months, as well as produce exclusive content for the operator. “I’m thrilled to have SBK as my new sponsor, and I’d like to thank …

UK horse racing industry leaders have confirmed that the sector’s representatives will ‘continue to press hard’ to receive the 10,000 capacity limit enjoyed by seated stadiums, as the government pushes ‘Freedom Day’ back until 19 July. The delay in the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions was announced yesterday by Prime Minister Boris Johnson – having originally been scheduled for 21 June …

In time for Royal Ascot festival week, William Hill has secured renowned winning stud trainer Charlie Hills to become the heritage bookmaker’s new Flat Racing Ambassador. Hills, the trainer of Europe’s highest-rated sprinter Battaash, will provide regular blogs on his runners, views, and opinions on all matters related to the flat racing season The exclusive blog and media content begins …

SAZKA Group has reported a robust opening to its 2021 trading, despite the Czech gambling conglomerate continuing to observe COVID-19 headwinds across its European market profile.  Publishing its Q1 trading results (period ending 31 March), SAZKA registered group gaming revenues (GGR) of €526 million – up 30% on corresponding 2020 results of €405 million. The firm’s improved GGR performance was …

Better Collective has enhanced its sports and racing content by integrating Spotlight Sports’ recently launched Superfeed engine, which leverages the Racing Post brand. The deal builds on a previous agreement between Spotlight Sports Group and the Danish sports betting and gaming operator signed five years ago, which has seen Better Collective expand its global audience, backed by Spotlight’s support for …

Newly licensed Racing Stars has launched its new MVP fantasy racing product to coincide with this week’s Royal Ascot festival (15-19 June). Co-founded by the Norfolk enterprise team of Steve Evans (MD), Danny Williams and Nathan Thompson, RacingStars.co.uk has branded itself as “the first-ever fantasy league betting platform based on real races and real prizes”.  MVP players can buy tokens …