Sky Betting and Gaming signs up to BHA partnership scheme

Sky Betting and Gaming has become the latest operator to become an authorised betting partner (ABP) of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

Although the terms of the partnership were not disclosed, it was confirmed that the deal will run for three years.

Under the agreement, Sky Betting and Gaming will make voluntary payments to racing industry over the course of the deal, based on its profit from the sport in the UK.

The ABP scheme forms part of a strategy unveiled by the BHA in October of last year, under which bookmakers in the UK that fail to pay an agreed amount in levy contributions in respect of their digital operations, or do not have a commercial funding agreement in place, may not be allowed to sponsor races held at tracks owned by Arena Racing Company (ARC) or the Jockey Club.

BetVictor, Bet365 and Betfair are amongst the other operators that have signed up to the scheme.

“We are pleased to have reached this voluntary agreement with racing; it makes sense for both parties and demonstrates our continued support for a sport that we and our customers love. We look forward to developing the partnership over the next few years,” Sky Betting and Gaming chief executive Richard Flint said.

Nick Rust, chief executive of the BHA, added: “We are delighted that Sky Betting and Gaming have agreed to become a partner of British Racing by signing as an ABP.

“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.”

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