Big Racing Deal for Betfred’s Totepool

Based on a deal worth GBP 14.7 million, Betfred and its subsidiary Totepool will keep their pool-betting rights and on-course betting at 31 Racecourse Media Group racetracks, including Cheltenham, Aintree, Newmarket, Epsom, York, Newbury, Goodwood, Sandown and Ascot, which will join RMG in June 2014. The deal will see the on-course Totepool betting service remain at those circuits until at least July 2018, until which time Betfred will operate all on-course betting shops. At the same time, Betfred and Totepool's portfolio of race sponsorship - including the Ebor, Cambridgeshire and Cesarewitch - will continue across all the 32 courses. According to RMG chief executive officer Richard FitzGerald, "We are delighted to conclude these deals with Betfred and Totepool which guarantee and protect the future of pool betting and Totepool products at our racecourses until July 2018. "The aim is to not only provide a first-class service for race-goers but also to grow the business for the benefit of the sport as a whole." It was added by Totepool managing director Phil Siers: "Totepool has an exclusive seven-year UK licence and is committed to developing and improving its racecourse facilities, and customer service to Betfred's high standards. "Totepool will make a significant capital investment in the business and expects this investment to drive a high rate of return, and to quickly help Totepool and its partners deliver a flagship operation."