Bookamkers at Tipperary© Photo Healy Racing
The INPBA, the representative body for on course Irish bookmakers, has issued a warning that they can no longer guarantee a service due to concerns about race planning and the viability of the business.
The group points to a number of clash meetings in similar geographical areas such as the Curragh and Navan (on Saturday September 28) which are serviced by the same bookmakers, while race interval times is another grievance.
They believe a regular trend of 35 minute intervals on an eight-race card is adversely affecting racecourse attendance and has greatly contributed to a 75% decline in betting turnover over the past ten years.
The INPBA also believes the increased number of race meetings over the years has put a burden on bookmakers servicing these meetings and has resulted in a decline in attendance which in turn has left the ring short of customers.
Many on course bookmakers have found their business no longer viable due to this decline in turnover together with racecourses refusal to reduce charges to bookmakers.
The INPBA has given notice that from today (November 24) “a bookmaking service will no longer be guaranteed at all race meetings.”
A statement from the body also states, “We apologise to racegoers, very few alas, that may be inconvenienced and remind racecourses that the betting ring cannot function without customers.”
