Jockey Club accused of undermining racing after signing casino deal
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Playtech is set to develop a range of online casino games based on the Jockey Club's most famous races and racecourses
A deal between the Jockey Club and gambling technology company Playtech involving the development of casino games has been criticised for undermining efforts to differentiate betting on racing from games of chance.
Under the five-year partnership, Playtech is set to develop a range of online casino, poker, virtual sports and bingo games based on the Jockey Club's most famous races and racecourses.
The company said the first game would be launched in time for the Cheltenham Festival.
However, the deal has been criticised for appearing to contradict the arguments others within British racing have been making to draw a distinction between betting and gaming, and for coming at a time when the British government is in the midst of its Gambling Act review process.
There are fears that if the review leads to the introduction of draconian affordability checks it could hit racing's revenues to the tune of £60 million or more per annum, as well as forcing bettors to share sensitive personal financial data with bookmakers if they wish to bet beyond government-set monthly limits.
The Horseracing Bettors Forum (HBF) called for a different approach between betting and gaming in its submission to the government's call for evidence, emphasising the higher problem gambling rate in casino gaming compared to sports and horseracing betting.
Reacting to the Jockey Club deal, the HBF said: "The HBF's submission to the Gambling Act review made the case that betting and casino games should have different regulatory arrangements, as there needs to be a clear distinction between games of skill, a unique selling point of betting on horseracing, and something which the sport should be emphasising, and games of chance.
"With the Gambling Act review white paper still to be published, this announcement seems poorly timed. High street bookmakers have re-invented themselves as online casinos and have knowingly conflated horseracing betting and games of chance.
"It would be good to understand how this new venture by the Jockey Club is in line with its stated mission of acting 'for the long-term good of British racing in everything [they] do'."
News of the deal also prompted anger and disbelief among racing fans on social media, with users labelling it a "disgraceful decision" and "desperately short-sighted".
Following the announcement of the deal, Jockey Club chief commercial officer Charlie Boss said: "We are delighted to partner with Playtech, whose industry leading software and expertise will help translate the success of our historic brands into the iGaming market for the first time.
"Playtech also share our values on putting safer gambling at the heart of their products."
Frankie Dettori: features among other racing games with Playtech
Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
The deal with the Jockey Club is not the first link-up Playtech has had with racing with games named after Sir Anthony McCoy, Frankie Dettori and Ascot racecourse already among its 'Sporting Legends' casino offering.
The company's casino director James Frendo said: "By partnering with an iconic sporting institution such as the Jockey Club, we are able to create a full range of exceptional and exciting cross-product content.
"Partnering with globally recognised brands is a key pillar of our branded content strategy as we look to deliver a unique and engaging responsible gambling experience to our customers."
