Phumelela Gaming and Leisure (‘Phumelela”) and Arena Racing Company (“ARC”) have announced a landmark deal which ensures South African horseracing will continue to be available for broadcast into betting shops in the UK and Ireland until at least the end of 2022.
From 1 June 2016 until the end of 2022 Phumelela has licensed ARC to supply and distribute audio-visual coverage, including data, of all South African race meetings to all Licensed Betting Offices (“LBOs”) in the UK and Ireland. The agreement will also see South African Racing continue to be distributed to online betting operators via the At The Races streaming platform Sports Media Stream.
South African Racing has become an integral part of the LBO offering to customers with some 440 race meetings per annum comprising coverage from eight racecourses: Durbanville (turf), Fairview (turf and polytrack), Flamingo Park (sand), Kenilworth (turf), Turffontein (turf), Vaal (turf), Greyville (turf and polytrack) and Scottsville (turf).
South African racing is a familiar and popular betting product with there being at least one meeting from South Africa every day of the year, except Christmas day. Due to South Africa being one to two hours ahead of the UK its racing commences at lunchtime, ahead of afternoon racing in the UK, thereby extending betting opportunities for customers.
Phumelela Chief Executive, Rian Du Plessis 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. Our racing complements ARC’s racing very well and the joint offering should be very well received by UK and Irish betting operators.”
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.”
