New betting channel challenges SiS

A new betting channel targeting the UK’s bookmakers is looking to take advantage of disaffection with Sky’s commercial rates.

The new channel owned by Racecourse Media Services, a joint venture between Alphameric plc and the 30 racecourses behind Racing UK, will be approaching bookmakers under the Amalgamated Racing brand.

The launch of a service spells the end to the dominance of SiS, which has traditionally provided its service to bookmakers. Racing UK has transferred its non-exclusive Licensed Betting Office rights to Racecourse Media Services and the live footage and data from the 30 racecourses will subsequently only be available to bookmakers taking the new service. It follows the agreement between the Arena- and Northern- owned tracks to sign an exclusive agreement with SiS.

Racecourse Media Services is offering to install a dish pointing at 28.2 degrees East to bookmakers taking the new service, though it promising that subscribers will not need to pay Sky’s commercial rates.

Bookmaker William Hill recently removed Sky from 200 of its shops, following last summer’s rise in commercial rates, but both William Hill and Ladbrokes  continue to own a share in the SiS operation. (JC)