RMG and SIS extends partnership to international level

Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and Sports Information Services (SIS) have announced an extension to its existing licensed betting offices (LBO) partnership, encompass international pool betting and fixed odds rights on both retail and online.

A new five year deal has been agreed from April 1, encompassing the distribution of audio-visual pictures and data to LBOs across Great Britain and Ireland, while an extension to incorporate marketing of their rights in a wider international agreement to commence from January 1 2019.

Under the terms of this new agreement, RMG are to control the pool betting service globally for horseracing content from RMG, Ireland and Chelmsford City.

In addition SIS is to control the fixed odds betting service for RMG and SIS content, including Irish racecourses, Chelmsford City, international, greyhound and virtual racing

RMG Chief Executive, Richard FitzGerald, commented: “This exciting new agreement with SIS is a natural extension of our partnership, following on from our LBO rights agreement.

“It is a strategic, long-term approach to RMG’s media rights, which will result in cost savings, revenue enhancements and the opportunity to grow and promote our quality racing. And, of course, all RMG’s profits are paid to its racecourse shareholders.”

The controversial agreement has been discussed by David Thorpe, Chairman of Arena Racing Company, who said in a statement: “We understand that Racecourse Media Group has made the decision to walk away from the very successful joint venture of GBI, the international rights arm of British Racing, from 2019.

“We are a little surprised that, without any warning, RMG has informed us that they have chosen the bookmaker owned SIS as their new international partner so fracturing British horseracing in the process, and damaging the huge progress we have made together in penetrating international markets.

“This will have ramifications as to how British racecourses work together in the future. We are sure our international horserace partners will be disappointed.

“However, we have spent considerable resources in building a compelling round the clock suite of international rights including UK horseracing, established BAGS UK greyhounds, Australian horseracing and greyhounds, together with South African horseracing.

“We expect to announce further international content deals shortly. We therefore very much look forward to having discussions with GBI’s international and fixed odds customers to provide an array of compelling and competitive content.”