In a significant move to enhance the landscape of pool betting in the UK, Ascot Racecourse and Tote have formally entered into a new five-year agreement, effective January 1, 2024. This strategic collaboration not only aims to fortify pool betting but also seeks to elevate the popularity and quality of racing events at Ascot. The primary focus of this strategic alliance is to foster the growth of pool betting, with a special emphasis on supporting and developing the World Pool initiative.
Under this partnership, all pool bets placed on Ascot races will contribute to the liquidity of the UK pool. This includes bets made through on-course transactions under the “Bet with Ascot” brand, remote betting through Tote’s website, or through bookmakers and third-party partners.
Notably, since 2020, the remote turnover from British and Irish customers on races hosted by Ascot has witnessed a remarkable threefold increase. International turnover has also surged by 22%, attributed in part to collaborative efforts with the World Pool. Ascot Racecourse has been a significant player in the World Pool since its initiation at Royal Ascot in June 2019.
The success of the Royal Meeting has laid the foundation for Tote operators from 28 diverse countries to intermingle pools, establishing a dynamic platform that significantly boosts liquidity. In 2023, a total of 17 World Pool days were held across British and Irish race days, resulting in increased financial income and elevated media rights payments for the racing industry. Racing enthusiasts have reaped the rewards, with more stable pools and higher returns.
Looking ahead, Ascot Racecourse, alongside other British racecourses and Tote, plans to collaborate closely with the Hong Kong Jockey Club throughout 2024. The collective aim is to further propel the growth of the World Pool, ensuring sustained development in the future.
This long-term collaboration underscores the commitment of Ascot Racecourse and Tote to fostering innovation and sustainability within the UK pool betting arena, promising an exciting era for racing enthusiasts and stakeholders alike. The five-year partnership is poised to bring about a new era of growth, stability, and international collaboration within the thrilling world of horse racing.
