Independent UK bookmaker Star Sports has moved to strengthen its presence in the UK by acquiring a network of 18 land-based racecourse pitches from online casino and sportsbook operator BetVictor.
Under the deal, the terms of which were not disclosed, Star Sports will acquire facilities at 11 racecourses in the UK including Cheltenham, Newmarket and Ascot.
The agreement will come into effect immediately, with Star Sports set to benefit from an on-site presence at this week’s Royal Ascot event.
“It’s a real honour to be taking over these prime pitches from a firm with such a strong heritage in the bookmaking industry and we are equally thrilled that they have chosen Star Sports as the ideal buyer,” Star Sport’s owner Ben Keith said.
“This acquisition marks a new chapter in the exciting Star Sports story and, from a personal point of view, I am completing a lifetime ambition to bet on some of the best pitches in the country, including Royal Ascot and Cheltenham.”
Andreas Meinrad, chief executive officer of BetVictor, added: “Star Sports have the same passion and commitment to horseracing that we have at BetVictor and we wish Ben and his team all the very best going forward.
“We feel the time is right to sell our pitches as we concentrate on the online/digital side of our business and have set ourselves challenging targets for the next three years.
“Horseracing remains a fundamental part of our business but we felt there was no longer a need for an on-course presence.”
source : www.igamingbusiness.com
