Specialist horseracing channel Turf TV, a joint venture between 34 leading UK racecourses, is targeting further growth after achieving what it described as “significant” progress during the 12 months to December 31, 2013.
The channel reported that the number of subscribers to the service increased to record levels in 2013, with more than 98% of the 10,450 British and Irish land-based operator market taking the service by the end of the year.
Turf TV was also able to agree long-term deals with bookmakers Coral, Ladbrokes and William Hill during the year, which the channel said represents more than 70% of the British market.
In addition, Turf TV said it made payments of £45 million (€54.3 million/$74.6 million) to its 34 racecourses during the last 12 months, with these payments representing over 65% of all revenue generated by the business.
The channel also said it has made a “strong” start to 2014 after signing an exclusive carriage deal with William Hill for its coverage of US racing, as reported by iGaming Business.
In addition, Turf TV will now carry over 50% of all UK fixtures for the first time, broadcasting 90% of all British Group and Graded races.
Turf TV also recently secured a long-term deal with BetFred, meaning over 85% of the land-based operator market is contracted to the channel until at last March 2018.
“Against a challenging backdrop, Turf TV has developed both a strong product offering and established market share,” Turf TV chairman Simon Ellen said.
“We have also significantly increased the returns to racing, which the Turf TV Directors expect will increase in 2014. With the security of long-term deals with all our major customers, combined with new and innovative content offerings such as US racing, we are well-positioned going forward.”
Adrian Ford, managing director of Turf TV, added: “This has been another year of significant achievement for Turf TV, reflected in our strong performance.
“British racing continues to be the most popular over-the-counter product in British land-based operators and our high quality content has proved popular with our customers and punters alike.”
source : www.igamingbusiness.com
