Retail

SIS furloughs ‘significant number of staff’ amid COVID-19 disruptions

SBC News SIS furloughs 'significant number of staff' amid COVID-19 disruptions

With the suspension of almost all live racing worldwide, Sports Information Services (SIS) has confirmed that it will be closing down ‘all non-essential services and to furlough a significant number of staff effective immediately’. The racing content and data services provider has explained that the decision has been made to ‘protect its long-term future’. Richard Ames, CEO of SIS, said: …

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ARC limits COVID-19 impacts with financial support for greyhound trainers

SBC News ARC limits COVID-19 impacts with financial support for greyhound trainers

Arena Racing Company (ARC) has revealed that it will offer financial support to greyhound trainers based at its five stadia during the period of suspension for racing. Following the suspension of greyhound racing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ARC will offer £5 per dog per week to trainers from Belle Vue, Newcastle, Nottingham, Perry Barr and Sunderland. The funds will …

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Conte rescue plan eases tax burdens on Italian gambling

SBC News Conte rescue plan eases tax burdens on Italian gambling

As Italy enters its fourth week of national lockdown, Italian gambling incumbents have been provided light relief by the government’s new economic measures. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has secured an initial €25 billion rescue package, aimed at primarily protecting company payrolls, mortgage repayments and commercial rents. Further measures see the government temporarily suspend tax duties for a number of ‘at-risk …

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Wimbledon faces postponement as AELTC reviews its summer schedule

SBC News Wimbledon faces postponement as AELTC reviews its summer schedule

The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) will hold emergency meetings next week assessing its options with regards to maintaining UK tennis’ 2020 schedule.  Updating stakeholders, AELTC detailed that it is evaluating all potential scenarios, including the postponement of the Wimbledon 2020 Championships (29 June – 12 July) as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.   AELTC confirmed that it …

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Racing Post suspends print publishing

SBC News Racing Post suspends print publishing

The Racing Post has confirmed that it has temporarily suspended the print publication of its daily racing newspaper as of this Thursday (26 March). Racing Post management explained that it is adjusting its business to racing and sports disruptions caused by the ongoing global COVID-19 crisis. “Unfortunately, with racing in Britain and Ireland halted, betting shops closed, and our governments …

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Government’s business relief ‘will protect tens of thousands of jobs’ says BGC

SBC News Government’s business relief ‘will protect tens of thousands of jobs’ says BGC

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has backed the recent government support, welcoming the confirmation that betting companies will now qualify for the same business rates holiday like other businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality industry. Following the government’s instruction to close betting shops and casinos across the UK to limit the spread of COVID-19, the BGC has campaigned …

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Irish racing cancelled as Varadkar increases COVID-19 measures

SBC News Irish racing cancelled as Varadkar increases COVID-19 measures

Horse racing across Ireland came to a halt last night following new restrictions imposed by the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, which has seen all sporting events cancelled until 19 April at the earliest due to COVID-19. Irish racing has been taking place without spectators since 13 March, and was subject to strict controls. The restrictions meant that race meetings were closed …

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Malta revamps rescue package to focus on workforce protections

SBC News Malta revamps rescue package to focus on workforce protections

The Malta Labour Party has sanctioned wholesale upgrades to its economic rescue package to support vital industries disrupted by the ongoing global Covid-19 crisis. Yesterday, Prime Minister Robert Abela unveiled a raft of new economic measures to protect Malta’s business community and workforce. Malta’s Treasury has pledged to commit €61 million per month to support the employer payroll for its …

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IGT appoints emerging markets expert Beatrice Bassey as a corporate advisor

SBC News IGT appoints emerging markets expert Beatrice Bassey as a corporate advisor

New York-listed gambling technology and lottery systems supplier IGT Plc has moved to strengthen its corporate governance and general counsel by confirming the appointment of Beatrice H. Bassey as an independent advisor. The strategic appointment of Bassey will see the executive counsel IGT governance on group legal oversight and support the firm’s executive leadership team on ongoing compliance directives related to …

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