Retail

Spreadex has acquired long-standing rival Sporting Index, agreeing on buyout terms with owner Groupe FDJ. As reported by Racing Post on Monday, FDJ agreed to sell Sporting Index to spread betting rival Spreadex, with the latter choosing to “remain tight lipped on deal terms.” Founded in 1992, Sporting Index is recognised as the pioneering company in spread betting, providing odds …

Nederlandse Loterij has launched its Innovation Lab, calling on “entrepreneurs and creative thinkers to future proof the Dutch Lottery”. The state-owned gambling group launched its new technology initiative this week, which will be overseen by Collin Mous, Head of Strategy and Innovation for Nederlandse Loterij. The Innovation Lab features a grants scheme which will reward entrepreneurs €25,000 to develop pilot …

Midnite has partnered with sports betting solutions provider ATR Markets with a goal to increase horse racing markets available to its customers. The newly launched sportsbook will offer a wider variety of betting options on horse and greyhound races via the deal, whilst also leveraging ATR’s risk management expertise and streaming services. Midnite highlighted three core benefits to its business …

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced that Nick Rust (OBE), the former chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will serve as inaugural chair of the Industry Forum.  Rust, who led British racing’s regulatory and corporate affairs from 2016-2021, will take charge of the role in November, and will serve a two-year term as Chair. This summer, UKGC …

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has published insights into how it will measure the success of its new Fixtures List for UK racing.  Announced last month, the BHA and stakeholders settled on a new fixtures list for 2024, with the aim of showcasing new initiatives designed to grow racing’s appeal with the wider UK public. Headline measures will see the …

World Pool has closed its season with a 24% year-on-year increase in turnover totalling HK$7.4bn. The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC)-owned operation started and finished at Flemington Racecourse in Australia, and reached out to eight countries for a total of 222 races (up from 154 races in 2022), making it a record-breaking 2023. Michael Fitzsimons, Executive Director, Wagering Products of …

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has emphasised the importance of the UK horse racing sector as a global sport, but also acknowledging an urgent need to maximise engagement in the domestic market. The British Racing’s Sports Economy Breeders’ Cup Trade Mission on 1 November began with a welcome reception held in California, which BHA CEO, Julie Harrington, addressed with an …

Horse racing has had some big news lately at two very different levels, with organisers announcing changes to the format of the Grand National whilst one of its most high-profile jockeys revealed an extension of his career. Amidst concerns for animal welfare and general safety, the Jockey Club took the decision to reduce the number of runners in the UK’s …

Groupe FDJ has finalised its €380m acquisition of Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), a transformative deal that will see the Paris Euronext lottery group take stewardship of the Irish National Lottery.  This morning, FDJ announced that it had acquired 100% of PLI share capital, taking control of the exclusive rights to operate the Irish National Lottery until 2034.  As declared on …

SIS (Sports Information Services) has released its provisional SIS Greyhound schedule for 2024. Featuring a sustainable offering of a minimum of 42 weekly fixtures across familiar UK and Irish tracks, the announcement features action from two of the busiest open tracks on the circuit – Oxford and Towcester – while serving its operator partners with both the English and Irish …