SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Phumelela Gaming and Leisure (Phumelela) and Arena Racing Company (ARC) have announced a major media rights deal which will ensure that South African horseracing will continue to be available to be broadcast in UK and Ireland betting shops until the end of 2022.
Under the current terms of the deal, which is dated from June 1st 2016 to the end of 2022, Phumelela have licensed ARC to supply and distribute audio-visual coverage, including data, of all South African race meetings to all Licensed Betting Operators (LBOs) in Ireland and the UK. Another feature of the deal will see the continuation of the streaming arrangement of South African racing via the At the Races platform Sports Mediastream.
South African racing has become a popular betting market in the UK and Ireland due in part to the large quantity of races, and their timing, typically lunchtime and a few hours ahead of UK racing start times.
ARC Chief Executive, Martin Cruddace said: “ARC is thrilled to be extending our relationship with Phumelela in order to help further promote South African racing to a British and Irish audience. This is mutually beneficial for all involved and we are pleased to be providing a transparent service for LBOs.”
Rian Du Plessis, Chief Executive of Phumelela, said: “We are delighted to have struck a deal with ARC which ensures South African racing can continue to have a UK and Irish audience and grow its popularity.”
ARC is the largest racecourse operator in the UK whilst South African Phumelela own five racecourses and stage around 250 race meetings each year.
