Online casino and sportsbook operator BetVictor has agreed a three-year deal to become an ‘authorised betting partner’ of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
Under the authorised betting partner scheme, BetVictor will make a voluntary contribution to the sport. The amount will be based on profit BetVictor makes from horse racing in the UK.
BetVictor joins rivals 32Red, Bet365 and Betfair as operators that have signed up to the initiative.
“We feel we would be doing our customers a disservice by not getting behind this initiative and believe it will resonate with customers of other companies who choose not to sign up,” BetVictor chief executive Andreas Meinrad said.
Meanwhile, Irish budget airline Ryanair has struck a deal to become the new title sponsor of the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival annual UK racing event.
The one-year agreement will cover this year’s race on March 17, the third day of the 2016 Festival.
Ladbrokes had served as title sponsor of the World Hurdle since 2005, but as it is currently not an authorised betting partner of the BHA, the bookmaker has had to step down from the role.
Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, said: "We are very happy to step in to add the World Hurdle to our day's sponsorship, alongside the Ryanair Chase, and remain wholly supportive of the Jockey Club's stance with regard to authorised betting partners which has led to this race becoming available for sponsorship this year.”