Top five stories from February

The last month has been eventful for the racing and betting industry, with the FOBT maximum stake cut looming and equine flu bringing a shutdown to horseracing across the country. Racing Post and Racing Post B2B have kept you up to date on all the information you need to stay in the loop, but if you missed any take a look at our top five stories of the month.

FOBTs, tax, regulation and Brexit: a big year ahead for the industry

2019 looks set to be a critical year for the gambling industry and the Racing Post spoke to a number of industry figures for their views and predictions of what the main issues will be.

“It’s fairly obviously going to be a truly seismic year on a number of levels” Paul Leyland, Regulus Partners.    

Crisis that rocked racing: what the key players did over a remarkable 24 hours

After the outbreak of equine influenza, horseracing across the nation was shut down for six days. 174 racing stables were placed on lockdown and 23 race meetings cancelled just one month before jump racing ’s showpiece Cheltenham Festival. Lee Mottershead shines a light on those who were at the heart of a crisis.

Standing firm: Arc boss Cruddace sticks to prize-money stance despite boycott

The prize-money saga continues after ARC announced they would be cutting their executive contributions by nearly £3 million. Trainers have come together to boycott races and look to force whole meetings to get cancelled.

“I’m anxious we work with the other parties to find a resolution to this but the resolution will not be that we pay the £2.7m. I’m adamant about that” Martin Cruddace, ARC CEO.

Bookmakers to trial FOBT changes next month as new £2 limit looms

Bookmakers are set to trial the new £2 stake for FOBTs across a number of betting shops in Birmingham in March as planning continues for the official implementation the following month.

“We are grateful to everyone who is working tirelessly to ensure that betting shops meet these new requirements” Association of British Bookmakers.

 

Racing Post and Clarion Gaming launch new partnership

Racing Post B2B has launched an important and far-ranging strategic partnership with Clarion Gaming, responsible for organising many of the industry’s leading international B2B events, including ICE London.

“I am particularly looking forward to the launch of ICE North America, which will benefit greatly from the contribution made by Eugene and the Racing Post team.” Kate Chambers, Clarion Gaming MD.

Keep up to date with all the betting and racing news on Racingpost.com and b2b.racingpost.com