Sky Betting & Gaming obtains ABP status
SB&G is fifth major online-only operator to join British Racing's controversial betting partner scheme
Sky Betting & Gaming (SB&G) has become the fifth major online-only gambling operator to obtain Authorised Betting Partner (ABP) status from British Racing.
The Leeds-headquartered firm follows in the footsteps of bet365, 32Red, Betfair and BetVictor in agreeing to make a voluntary contribution to British Racing in exchange for access to marketing and commercial opportunities.
Although the exact terms of the agreement were not released, the three-year deal will start on 1 April 2016 and will see the operator pay 7.5% of its UK horseracing profits.
“We are pleased to have reached this voluntary agreement with racing,” Richard Flint, SB&G’s chief executive officer, said.
“It makes sense for both parties and demonstrates our continued support for a sport that we and our customers love,” he added.
So far no operator with a retail presence has signed up to become an Authorised Partner, with firms including Coral, William Hill and Ladbrokes critical of the scheme.
British Horseracing Authority chief executive Nick Rust said the addition of SB&G, which will sponsor the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham tomorrow, marked another win for British Racing.
“We are delighted that Sky Betting & Gaming have agreed to become a partner of British Racing by signing as an ABP,” Rust said.
“It shows that they understand the benefits of a partnership approach between racing and betting and we look forward to working with them to deliver all the benefits of being an ABP,” he added.
However, a new Levy planned by the UK government will supersede the ABP scheme from next year barring any legal challenges from the remote gambling sector.