Live horse racing could soon disappear from TV screens in a host of UK betting shops due to an ongoing row over increased costs of the broadcasts.
A commercial standoff has arisen between independent bookmakers and The Racing Partnership (TRP), which manages the media rights for 21 UK racecourses.
TRP is a joint venture between UK racecourse owner and operator Arena Racing Company (ARC) and several independent tracks and it is imposing a 30% hike in its charges for this year.
That news has jarred with bookmakers who pay a flat fee for daily access to non-free-to-air pictures and data from racecourses under the TRP umbrella.
These include the likes of Lingfield, Newcastle, Royal Windsor and Wolverhampton.
Blackout At Betfred
Betfred has already pushed back against the proposed increase and has stopped showing live action from the courses affected in its 1,287 retail sportsbooks.
The popular bookie has just returned to profitability but like its rivals is bracing itself for the gambling tax hike that lands in April.
Punters are still able to place wagers on the races affected at Betfred’s betting shops but some concessions such as guaranteed odds are not available.
A similar row erupted in January 2017 when Betfred, Coral and Ladbrokes all dropped live televised racing from Britain in a dispute over costs with TRP.
Ladbrokes were ordered to close all their betting shops on six ARC-owned tracks until an agreement could be reached.
Coverage resumed when the three bookmakers resolved the commercial standoff in July that year.
Will More Betting Shops Be Affected?
The Racing Post has reported that several independent bookmakers have also stalled on agreeing to TRP’s new terms for 2026.
The parties have agreed to a temporary one-month extension to cover racing broadcasts in January.
Independents could be hit with a media blackout from February 1 if no new deal is agreed.
It is a financially challenging time for the UK’s independents which operate on far tighter margins than the betting behemoths.
They have a tough decision to make in the face of increasing regulatory costs and fierce competition from online operators.
At what point does the increased cost of media rights exceed the need to provide a viewing experience for their high street customers?
Free-to-air live horse racing is still available on ITV Racing.
What Does This Mean For Horse Racing Fans?
Will I still be able to bet on the races affected?
Yes, betting shops will still take bets on the races, but you will not be able to watch the race in the shop.
What will it be like without live pictures?
Most betting shops will turn to live audio commentary and results feeds. It certainly won’t match the traditional betting shop experience, but it will retain an element of live action.
Will this affect offers and concessions?
Yes, very likely. Betfred has already withdrawn incentives on races impacted, such as best odds guaranteed.
Which racecourses are we talking about?
Predominantly it is racing from the 16 ARC-owned courses: Bath, Brighton, Chepstow, Doncaster, Fontwell, Ffos Las, Great Yarmouth, Hereford, Lingfield, Newcastle, Royal Windsor, Sedgefield, Southwell, Uttoxeter, Wolverhampton and Worcester.
Is this blackout permanent?
Not necessarily. Betfred managed to resolve their dispute with TRP in 2017. Smaller independent bookmakers still have until the end of January to decide what happens next.
