bet365 has decided to withdraw its sponsorship from several prominent UK horse racing events, citing the recent increases in gambling taxes outlined in the UK government’s latest budget. This move marks the end of a longstanding partnership at Haydock Racecourse and a series of sponsorships at Newmarket that began in 2017. bet365 UK Sponserships.
The betting company confirmed that it will no longer support the Craven meeting at Newmarket or certain races during the July fixture, both of which had been part of bet365’s sponsorship portfolio since 2017. Additionally, bet365 has pulled support for the Old Newton Cup and the Lancashire Oaks at Haydock, concluding a 23-year relationship with the Merseyside racecourse where it had been a key commercial partner.
A bet365 spokesperson stated: “Regretfully, bet365 has made the very difficult decision not to continue sponsorship of a number of horseracing events, including the Craven meeting at Newmarket, the July meeting at Newmarket and the Old Newton Cup-Lancashire Oaks at Haydock.”
The Craven meeting, held annually in April, is considered an important early-season fixture in Britain’s flat racing calendar. It acts as a preparatory race for the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, one of the country’s prestigious Classics. The July meeting at Newmarket attracts both domestic and international competitors over the summer months. Meanwhile, at Haydock, the Old Newton Cup and Lancashire Oaks are among the track’s principal flat races.
Read also: BGC Introduces Interactive Quiz to Raise Awareness of the Black Market
The departure of bet365 signals a notable shift in the sponsorship landscape for British horseracing, as operators reassess their marketing strategies amidst changing regulatory and fiscal pressures. Historically, sponsorship agreements between bookmakers and racecourses have been a vital source of revenue for the sport. As of now, no new sponsors have been announced for the Craven meeting, the July races, the Old Newton Cup, or the Lancashire Oaks. bet365 UK Sponserships.
