Grosvenor Sport

Bookmaker backlash over ARC WiFi introduction

This week’s announcement that The Arena Racing Company (“ARC”) will fully equip all of its 15 racecourses with WiFi by the end of summer 2018, has been met with a negative response from Fair-Bet Bookmakers.

The WiFi, which will be powered by Sky WiFi can be used by everyone from customers in the grandstands, paddocks, bars and restaurants, through to owners, trainers, jockeys and racing staff. There will be separate designated WiFi access available for members of the media, racecourse staff and VIP guests, along with accessibility for corporate events held on non-race days.

Martin Cruddace, Chief Executive of ARC, commented: “At what is an exciting time for ARC we are really pleased to be working with Sky Business to bring industry-leading WiFi to all of our racecourses. This will have a huge impact on the customer experience, as well as supporting the key investments, including Britbet, racing’s own pool betting operation which launches in July.”

However, the news has sparked a negative reaction from on-course operator Fair-Bet, who described it as “another nail in the coffin of on-course bookmakers.”

Speaking to SBC, a spokesperson for the bookmaker emphasised that the climate for on-course operators is only getting more difficult: “Nothing goes in our favour, everybody and now ARC is making it difficult for us, it’s all against us and now ARC has made it even harder for us.”

When asked if there would be protections in place for on-course bookmakers after the introductions of WiFi, ARC stated: “We believe it is important for customers to have as much choice as possible within a safe environment. The introduction of WiFi will enable this while allowing customers to continue to bet with on-course bookmakers if they choose to do so.”  

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