Latest News
British Bookmakers Set to Make Record Contribution for Rights to Show Horse Racing
British bookmakers are on track to make a record contribution to horse racing next year – with the bill for media rights forecast to increase by nearly £30m.
The Betting and Gaming Council’s five biggest members for horse race betting, Entain, Flutter, bet365, 888/William Hill and Betfred, expect to see a record cost increase to broadcast races.
In 2022, BGC members paid £270.1m for the rights to live stream races for customers and show them in bookmakers.
But that cost is forecast to rise to £285.3m this year, an increase of 5.6%, with members estimating a further increase to £315.2m in 2024, a further bump of 10.5%.
The combined increase for media rights costs is now expected to rise by 16.7% between 2022 and 2024.
The figures are based on data supplied by the Betting and Gaming Council’s five biggest members for horse race betting, then adjusted to include smaller operators, who must also pay for media rights.
Michael Dugher, CEO of Betting and Gaming Council, said: “BGC members are already making a record contribution to horse racing and these figures show that is only going to increase.
“This comes despite a reduction in betting turnover on racing in the last five years and a worrying decline in participation in horse race betting overall.
“Horse racing remains a hugely important, world-leading sport, enjoyed by millions of fans and like the betting industry it continues to support large numbers of jobs.
“I know racing is trying to modernise and reach out to new fans, while also trying to bounce back from the Covid pandemic and deal with some difficult economic headwinds, plus deal with the hit on its funding caused by the Government. The betting industry is dealing with many of the same pressures on our revenues and costs.
“The BGC and our members remain fully committed to working together with the leadership of the sport, including the BHA and others, to ensure a better future for racing. But the fact that we are making a record and growing contribution to the sport cannot be ignored.”
The forecast costs come after the BGC announced their members directly contributed £384m to British horse racing last year in levy, media rights and sponsorship deals.
These figures showed an increase on previous estimates for the regulated sector’s contribution, which had placed it at around £350m a year.
In addition, bookmakers spent £125m on marketing to promote racing and betting through advertisements and partnerships, which helps secure vital terrestrial coverage of the sport and raise revenue for print newspaper titles.
As well as the increased costs for media rights, levy payments are projected to be £99m in 2022/2023, according to the Horserace Betting Levy Board.
This record investment also enabled horse racing to use some of these revenues to deliver record prize money of £179.3m in 2022.
Horse racing is the second biggest sport in the UK, second only to football, with more than five million people attending around 1400 fixtures annually across 59 racecourses.
However, its popularity is in decline. In 2007, 17% of the population participated in horse race betting in the previous year, but that fell to 10% in 2018.
Meanwhile football overtook horse racing betting around the same time between 2017/2018.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has committed to reviewing the Horseracing Levy by next year.
The Horseracing Levy, which is administered by the Horserace Betting Levy Board, goes towards improving the sport, breeding and boosting veterinary care.
Betting operators are working closely with the British Horseracing Authority and racing stakeholders on much needed reforms to the fixture list and race programme which should increase commercial returns from the levy and media rights.
The regulated betting industry fully supports this once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernise horse racing so it can realise its full commercial potential.
The BGC is also working closely with the government on the proposed reforms from the White Paper to ensure those who enjoy betting can continue to do so without unnecessary intrusion, while introducing improved safeguards for the minority who struggle.
Betting shops currently support around 42,000 jobs, contribute £1bn a year in tax to the Treasury and another £60m in business rates to local councils.
The wider regulated betting and gaming industry contributes £7.1bn to the economy, generates £4.2bn in tax and supports 110,000 jobs.
In April DCMS unveiled the Government’s new White Paper on gambling reform, including a number of key measures the BGC had campaigned for.
Those included a new mandatory Ombudsman for the regulated sector, enhanced spending checks online and a new mandatory levy to fund research, education and treatment to tackle gambling related harm and problem gambling.
Each month in Great Britain around 22.5m adults have a bet and the most recent Health Survey for England estimated that 0.4% of the adult population are problem gamblers.
Meanwhile the unsafe, unregulated gambling black market online is growing in the UK, with the numbers betting on these sites doubling in recent years, and the amount staked in the billions.
Latest News
7Stars Partners Presents OnlySpins: A First-of-Its-Kind Casino With Advanced Gamification and Exclusive Playful Content
7Stars Partners is proud to announce the launch of OnlySpins — a first-of-its-kind casino brand that redefines the gaming experience, where fantasy meets interactive storytelling.
A Unique Concept That Goes Beyond Traditional Play
OnlySpins is a fully gamified environment where players interact with real models, unlock exclusive moments, and progress through personalised storylines on a paradise island. Each location introduces a stunning model with her own character, photos, and videos — turning every journey into an immersive and rewarding experience.
Engagement Through Gamification
The core of the experience is the OnlySpins Slot Machine, where players use Energy to spin and trigger outcomes such as OnlyBucks, story progression, or mini-games. These mini-games add variety and chance-based excitement, rewarding players with additional currency, Collection Cards, and progress boosts.
Players can spend OnlyBucks to send gifts and go on dates with the models, unlocking exclusive real content and progressing the Affection Meter. Each interaction deepens the storyline and provides tangible casino rewards such as bonus money, free spins, or real cash. Completing collections of Cards tied to each model unlocks special videos and further rewards — ensuring ongoing engagement and motivation to continue playing.
Interactive Intimacy That Retains Players
What truly sets OnlySpins apart is its layer of real-time live chat with models. Players can subscribe to chat directly with real models, receiving personalized messages, photos, and videos. This creates a strong sense of exclusivity and intimacy, driving repeat engagement and loyalty beyond standard bonus mechanics.
Benefits for Partners
For affiliates and partners, OnlySpins represents a powerful new revenue opportunity:
- Proven Conversion: The combination of slots, gamification, and exclusive-to-you content keeps players engaged and coming back for more fun.
- Retention Beyond Bonuses: Story-driven progression, collections, and interactive chat extend player lifetime value.
- Premium Brand Positioning: With stylish visuals and real model-driven storytelling, OnlySpins differentiates itself from all competitors.
- Global Scalability: Mobile-first design, multilingual support, and flexible payments allow rapid expansion across GEOs.
“OnlySpins is built to convert, retain, and scale,” said Krystal Tsiattalos, Head of Affiliates at 7Stars Partners. “It’s so much more than just a casino. This unique platform combines iGaming mechanics with exciting interactive entertainment, delivering measurable results for our partners. We believe this is the future of engagement in online gaming.”
About 7Stars Partners
7Stars Partners is a leader in the global iGaming affiliate industry, promoting innovative brands that merge entertainment, technology, and exceptional player experiences. With a growing portfolio of successful brands, the company continues to set new standards in retention, conversion, and partner growth.
OnlySpins is now live.
Partners can connect with the team today to learn how this groundbreaking brand can unlock new revenue opportunities.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Wazdan, the leading gain-focused developer, is ready to make its mark at the upcoming SiGMA Central Europe summit in Rome, taking place from 4th to 6th November at the Fiera Roma.
Italy represents one of Europe’s largest untapped online gambling markets, with total gambling revenue currently standing at an estimated €16 billion. Currently, only 25% of the market operates online, leaving €12 billion in offline revenue waiting to be unlocked.
Situated at stand 4040, Wazdan will be on hand to showcase the company’s Online gaining formula, featuring its captivating portfolio with over 250 certified games translated in more than 30 languages across 25 regulated markets.
Attendees will have the chance to experience the highly anticipated Mighty Wild: Gorilla release, while the recently launched Cash Grotto, 16 Coins x5000 and Mighty Crown: Legacy of Mars will also be on show, with all experiencing impressive early performances with the studio’s operator partners globally.
Turning attention to Wazdan’s industry-renowned network promotions, those in Rome will also benefit from invaluable insight into the upcoming multi-stage €6,000,000 Network Promotion, which has been built to secure long-term player retention rates during the busy festive period.
Beyond the product showcasing and prize giveaways, Wazdan views the summit as a key opportunity to strengthen regional partnerships and deepen its engagement with Italy’s thriving iGaming sector.
The event’s prominence on the global industry calendar makes it a natural fit for Wazdan’s ambitions to lead the way in compelling slot innovation and partner-focused growth.
Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, said: “SiGMA Central Europe is a fantastic opportunity to connect with partners and share how our Online gaining formula continues to drive measurable growth.
“We are delighted to be acting as a partner throughout the three-day summit, and look forward to shedding light on how our powerful game mechanics and retention tools can help partners accelerate their success in this dynamic market.”
The post Wazdan ready to exhibit as gain-focused partner and exhibitor at SiGMA Central Europe appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
B2B gaming supplier Push Gaming is set to deliver twice the thrills this Halloween with the release of two new seasonal titles, Tarot Treasures and Tricky Treats.
Both games highlight the recent launch of Push Gaming’s new product segmentation. Push Action delivers titles with enhanced layers of mechanics and player interaction, a category which Tarot Treasures proudly joins.
Meanwhile, Push Originals showcase the studio’s signature creative approach and innovative spirit, with Tricky Treats leading the way in this fresh line-up.
Tarot Treasures shuffles its diabolical deck in a spellbinding world where mysticism meets the proven success of the Push Ways mechanic.
Following the acclaim of Big Bite Push Ways, the feature receives a supernatural twist just in time for Halloween.
The introduction of cascade trails adds a fresh layer of gameplay, with enhanced dynamics during free spins. Players will also discover how hot zones and cascade trails combine to create electrifying experiences that offer both variety and excitement.
A week later, on October 22nd, Tricky Treats takes Halloween to the sweeter side, offering players a colourful cast of candy characters and a unique cluster wins mechanic.
Its innovative sticky wilds increase their multiplier with every win, while features such as Push Bet, which guarantees wilds, and the bonus buy option allow players to tailor their strategies to their own play style.
Added layers of thrill come from instant prize multiplier symbols and wild multiplier symbols, which boost all wilds and prizes on screen for explosive payout potential.
George Fil, Director of Product Strategy at Push Gaming, said: “With Halloween on the horizon, we wanted to give players two very different—but equally exhilarating—seasonal experiences. Tarot Treasures takes the Push Ways mechanic in a supernatural direction.
“Tricky Treats, on the other hand, leans into the fun of the season with brilliantly designed candy characters and cluster wins that keep the action flowing.
“Together, both releases show how we’re pushing variety and innovation across themes, mechanics and volatility to deliver Halloween content players will love.”
The post Push Gaming doubles the Halloween thrills with Tarot Treasures and Tricky Treats appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Latest News2 months ago
Light & Wonder to Participate in the 2025 Australasian Gaming Expo
-
Latest News2 months ago
ReferOn Shortlisted for Acquisition & Retention Partner of the Year at SBC Lisbon 2025
-
Latest News2 months ago
Gavin Hamilton Joins Sports & Wellbeing Analytics as Chairman to Accelerate Global Expansion
-
Latest News3 months agoDigiPlus Backs Stricter Online Gambling Regulation
-
Latest News3 months agoCEO of MEDIA24 Interviewed: Industry Scams, Business Insights and SEO
-
Latest News1 month ago
Duels for Friends in Trophy Hunter. Invite your friends and create a shared space for fun and competition.
-
Latest News2 months ago
BC.GAME Launches “Nezha” Slot with Up to 46,656 Ways to Win and 10,000x Max Payout
-
Affiliate Succes3 months ago
Affiliates as Market Movers: How Content and Rankings Influence Operator Success
You must be logged in to post a comment Login