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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.
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Report affirms Ygam’s leading role in gambling harm prevention

The latest Ygam impact report reiterates the integral role that the charity plays in preventing gaming and gambling harms among young people.
Between January 2024 to March 2025, Ygam trained nearly 10,000 delegates and reached and estimated 1.3 million children and young people across the UK – the highest reach figure since its inception in 2014. Recognised as the UK’s leading charity dedicated to prevention gambling harms among young people, Ygam has continued to set the standard in the sector.
The charity has significantly strengthened its focus on data, evaluation, and evidence-based practice, commissioning independent evaluations of four of its flagship programmes. These evaluations have generated robust insights into the long-term effectiveness of Ygam’s approach and are helping to shape the future of prevention education across the UK.
This report brings together a rich body of evidence, including independent evaluations, pre- and post-training feedback, and delegate testimonials – compiled to inform strategic direction and long-term effect.
Ygam’s growing prominence is reflected in its expanding reputation and influence across the youth sector. The charity continues to build strong partnerships with schools, universities, youth organisations, and community groups, ensuring its resources are embedded where they can make the greatest impact. Ygam is now working with esteemed brands including The Scouts, NSPCC, The Children’s Society, TSB Bank, Place2Be, and Barnardo’s.
The charity’s work has also been praised by Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross, who welcomed the publication of the report.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Baroness Twycross, said: “I welcome this report, which highlights Ygam’s vital role in educating more than one million young people on how to lead safer digital lives.
One of my key priorities as gambling minister is to strengthen protections around those most vulnerable to harmful gambling and I look forward to collaborating with Ygam in future as we continue to build a safer online space for young people.”
Helen Martin, Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive at Ygam, said: “I’m incredibly proud to present this impact report, which highlights Ygam’s leading role in the prevention field and our recognised expertise in safeguarding children and young people. Central to our success is a strong commitment to collaboration and the transformative power of partnership.
I’m delighted with the strides we’ve made in evaluating our work. While our reach figures are impressive, they represent just one facet of the significant impact we are achieving. By investing time and resources in rigorous evaluation, we ensure our programmes are not only evidence-based but also exemplify best-in-class standards and deliver lasting impact.
Our dedication to thorough evaluation, ongoing learning, and reflective practice empowers us to continually enhance our approach and meet the evolving needs of the communities we support. This commitment will continue to reinforce our position as trusted experts in the field.”
Key findings of the Impact Report 2024/2025:
- 1,324,416 estimated young people reach through delegates trained.
- 9,448 delegates trained in positions of care and influence over young people, including 3,762 teachers and youth workers.
- 1 million social media impressions, marking 322% increase from 2023.
- 97% of delegates would recommend Ygam training to a colleague.
- 97% of delegates felt better equipped to identify and respond to gambling harms following Ygam training.
- 50% of teachers and youth workers said they had implemented the Ygam materials in their classroom within 12 months of completing the training.
- 2,134 volunteer leaders were reached through the Scout Association partnership, safeguarding an estimated 45,000 children and young people.
- 50 universities visited across the UK.
- 115,000 estimated university students reach.
This report reinforces the charity’s commitment to independent evaluation, learning, and reflection, which helps to continuously strengthen their our own portfolio and harm prevention efforts across the wider sector.
You can read Ygam’s full Impact Report 2024-5 here.
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Midnite named principal partner of Sheffield United

- Midnite to be Blades’ front-of-shirt sponsor for 2025-26 season
- Lucky season ticket holders will get VIP seat upgrade for every match thanks to Midnite
- Midnite is among UK’s fastest-growing sportsbooks.
Midnite, one of the UK’s fastest-growing online sportsbooks, has been named as the principal partner of Sheffield United for the 2025-26 season.
Midnite’s logo will be on the front of Blades shirts for the men’s and women’s adult first teams, training kits and adult replica shirts. It will also be displayed around Bramall Lane, on home match team sheets, the matchday programme and across the club’s social media channels.
The partnership also launches Midnite Premium Seat Upgrade. This will see two lucky season ticket holders drawn at random before each men’s home league game to enjoy a premium match experience in the prestigious Tony Currie Suite.
Midnite and Sheffield United will also collaborate to bring Blades fans closer to their club with a series of unique moments and unprecedented opportunities throughout the season.
Midnite was the official betting partner of the 2025 World Snooker Championship, held at the Crucible in Sheffield earlier this year.
Jonathan Shaw, Vice President of Growth at Midnite, said: “It’s a privilege for Midnite to become principal partner of Sheffield United for the coming season. The club has a proud history and a strong connection with its supporters and we’re committed to helping make this a memorable season for Blades fans.
“This partnership continues our efforts to grow Midnite as a challenger brand in the UK market, as we look to build our presence and offer a genuine alternative to the established tier-one operators. We’re looking forward to working with the club and its supporters throughout the season.”
Paul Fielder Head of Commercial for Sheffield United Football Club said: “We’re pleased to welcome Midnite as our principal partner for the 2025-26 season. They’ve shown a clear commitment to working with the club and its supporters and we’ve been impressed by their thoughtful and collaborative approach.
“We look forward to developing the partnership over the season and providing Blades fans with some memorable moments along the way.”
Midnite and Sheffield United’s partnership will operate in accordance with the Gambling Commission’s codes of practice.
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Unlock Top-Tier Deals and Careers: Parimatch joins iGB L!VE 2025

Parimatch, the global entertainment company, is set to make a significant impact at iGB L!VE 2025, taking place in London from July 2–3. Located at Stand E34, the Parimatch team will welcome industry leaders, potential partners, and top talent to explore a world of premium entertainment opportunities.
iGB L!VE is a cornerstone event in the iGaming calendar. That is why Parimatch is creating a hub for high-value connections with key decision-makers. The stand will be a must-visit destination for attendees seeking access to a top-tier network of C-level executives and the best deals from an Affiliate program operating globally across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe. The Parimatch Affiliate team will be on hand to discuss the best deals and hottest offers, designed to drive high performance for partners.
The Parimatch experience at Stand E34 is designed to be unforgettable, going beyond performance to build strong alliances and celebrate shared success. Demonstrating a commitment that goes beyond industry standards, Parimatch Affiliates will host an exclusive side event for its top partners: a trip to the Formula 1 race in Silverstone. This ethos will be reflected at the stand through a dynamic atmosphere where insights and energy converge, complete with engaging activities, prize draws, and limited-edition merchandise drops.
In addition to fostering business objectives, Parimatch is focusing more than ever on its employer brand. The company’s Employer Brand and HR teams will be on-site for open conversations with talented professionals. Visitors can gain direct insights into Parimatch’s vibrant corporate culture, diverse work formats, and significant career opportunities. This provides a transparent look into life at a leading global entertainment company.
The post Unlock Top-Tier Deals and Careers: Parimatch joins iGB L!VE 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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