SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Ascot Racecourse has reported that an increased investment in racecourse facilities and prize money contributions have contributed to a successful 2018 for the Berkshire course.
The racecourse has released its financial results for the 12 months ending 31st December 2018, in which it recorded a pre-tax profit of £6.1m.
Guy Henderson, Chief Executive at Ascot, lauded the positive results for the racecourse: “2018 was another year of balanced progress in our overall financial performance, with Royal Ascot performing particularly well.
“The business continues to deliver on its policy of balanced sustainable income streams to drive investment in (1) facilities and infrastructure; (2) prize money; (3) venue and customer experience; and (4) international engagement; alongside our debt repayment programme.
“We are grateful to all our partners, sponsors and customers for their continued support. I also wish to thank and pay tribute to our dedicated staff, full time and raceday, for all their efforts in delivering another strong performance all round.”
During 2018, Ascot has placed more of a focus upon improving its facilities, both within the course and through its betting products. The racecourse has launched its Bet with Ascot in partnership with Totepool in July 2018 which has contributed greatly.
The new World Pool partnership with Totepool and the Hong Kong Jockey Club are also set to launch at Royal Ascot in 2019. Approximately 30 individual pools from 10 countries are expected to bet into the world’s first ever worldwide pool betting collaboration.
Prize money has also jumped for the racecourse, up to a record £13.45m, representing a ten per cent increase – this does, however,excluding QIPCO British Champions Day.
