Betfred Secures Deal to Broadcast Ascot’s Clarence House Card In-Store
Betfred has reached an agreement to broadcast live racing events from Ascot’s Clarence House card. This deal comes after a deadlock over media rights that has affected various racecourses throughout the UK. With this breakthrough, Betfred is now able to provide action from Ascot both in their betting shops and online.
Background of the Media Rights Issue
The tension began when media rights agreements between Betfred and The Racing Partnership (TRP) expired at the start of the year. The TRP, which manages media rights for numerous racecourses, raised its fees by over 30%. This increase led to significant disruptions for Betfred’s customers, as they could not access races from 21 racecourses.
Impact on Customers
- Betfred’s in-shop customers were unable to view races from TRP’s tracks.
- Online services saw reductions, including the removal of best odds guarantees and silk offers.
Ascot, one of the prominent venues within the TRP lineup, was eager to see the impasse resolved. Betfred operates two betting shops at Ascot, which is scheduled to host its first race of the year this Saturday.
Conclusion of Negotiations
While no formal comments were made by the parties involved, it has been confirmed that a resolution was reached. Independent bookmakers had previously operated under a temporary extension to avoid interruptions in service. The developments highlight ongoing concerns regarding media rights costs, which have been a frequent point of contention in the industry.
Future of Media Rights
The rising media rights fees have created significant challenges for bookmakers. Previous incidents have seen major brands like Flutter Entertainment’s Sky Bet and Paddy Power halt early price offerings due to similar disputes. Continuing spikes in costs may further complicate the landscape, especially following the recent tax hikes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
The resolution of this latest media rights conflict is a relief for Betfred and racing fans alike, ensuring that live broadcasts from key events like the Clarence House card at Ascot can continue without interruption.
