22/12/2022
jockclublogo
Update - Cash Machines at JCR Racecourses
We are delighted to announce that a new provider has been secured for the provision of ATMs, at JCR racecourses.
With effect from Boxing Day Cash 4 Events will provide ATM/s on site at racecourses where they were previously in situ.
Best wishes for a happy and successful Christmas and New Year.
Updated 20/12/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
The agenda for the Directors board meeting on Wednesday 21st December is now up in the members area.
16/12/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
Members will receive their 2023 calendas W/C 23rd December, which will also include your latest Newsletter.
(Newsletter linked here)
09/12/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
Point to Point Bookmakers
Results up for Brocklesby are now up - PTP - Bookmakers Betting List Exchange System
02/12/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
Point to Point Bookmakers
A position at Brocklesby is now up for purchase - PTP - Bookmakers Betting List Exchange System
21/11/2022
jockclublogo
JCR Refunds
Should you purchase badges for a JCR track and either decide not to attend or use fewer betting positions than you paid for, refunds are available via an email to:
Please provide your order number and details of the refund you are requesting.
14/11/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
Point to Point Bookmakers
Timetable for the West Mercia and Brocklesby 2022/2023 season transfers is now up - PTP - Bookmakers Betting List Exchange System
11/11/2022
NewburyLogo
Newbury Bookmaker Liaison Committee Meeting 25th October 2022
Meeting Notes
05/11/2022
jockclublogo
Jockey Club Racecourses New Bookmaker Online Purchase Portal.
JCR has developed a new online portal for bookmakers to buy their badges and tickets, the link for this on the left has been updated and is ready to be used.
The new process is fully explained in the Bookmakers Guide (CLICK HERE), using with a new link (the previous link is now defunct).
Purchase may still be made in advance and up to 11.00 a.m. on the day of racing.
Purchases for all JCR November fixtures may be made with effect from 2 November.
05/11/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
Point to Point Bookmakers
A position in the Yorkshire Area is now up for purchase - PTP - Bookmakers Betting List Exchange System
31/10/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
*****Attention Members*****
The full details of this months 2022 AGM can be found in the members area.
In keeping with the Association's policy of transparency and inclusion the full 2021 Accounts can also be found in the members area.
26/10/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
Point to Point Bookmakers
Northern Area results are now up - PTP - Bookmakers Betting List Exchange System
24/10/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
Point to Point Bookmakers
Timetable for the Yorkshire Area 2022/2023 season transfers is now up - PTP - Bookmakers Betting List Exchange System
20/10/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
Point to Point Bookmakers
Positions in the Northern Area are now up for purchase - PTP - Bookmakers Betting List Exchange System
13/10/2022
wetherby logo
Bookmakers Badges Advanced Purchases
Would all bookmakers please note that with effect from the start of our 2022/23 season bookmakers must purchase their badges in advance by using the following link. (Can also be found on the left hand side of our site with other portals)
Before you can make your bookmakers badge transaction, the Annual Marketing Fee must have also been purchased via the website before the first raceday that you intend to trade during the season. In order to gain access to the racecourse, bookmakers must purchase their daily betting badge(s) and any staff badges in advance. Bookmaker badges can be purchased up to 11.00am on the day of racing (afternoon) and 3pm on an evening meeting.
There will be no Badge Box in operation on the day.
Prior to pitching in, if a bookmaker is unable to attend, or decides not to attend, bookmakers pre-purchased bookmaker tickets for that day will be fully refunded.If you have any queries, please call the office on 01937 582035.
10/10/2022
RBC Logo
*****Attention Members*****
Non-Executive Director – Racecourse Betting Compliance Ltd
We have been asked by RBC to bring to the attention of our members the opportunity for a bookmaker to join the RBC board as a non-executive director.
The role will be a stewardship role and the successful candidate, who will act in an advisory capacity, will be required to liaise with the RBC on behalf of bookmakers and provide feedback to bookmakers, through their trade associations, to ensure that a satisfactory service is delivered in accordance with the administration and compliance contract the RBC has with racecourses.
It is initially intended that non-executive directors will be required to attend two meetings per year.
Those interested in the role should submit their names and contact details in the next seven working days to the BRBA. Details will then be passed on to RBC who will ultimately be responsible for making the appointment.
07/10/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
Point to Point Bookmakers
PTP - Bookmakers Betting List Exchange System area is currently being updated for 2022/23 season.
All Point to Point documents will start being sent out at the beginning of October.
The change to the attendance rules for 2022/23 season has been put on hold.
Updated 03/10/2022
jockclublogo
Message to Bookmakers at JCR Racecourses
With the summer season now drawing to a close, please note that with effect from 1 October the ongoing DBB charges will be at the multiples specified in the Bookmaker’s Licence with the racecourse.
26/09/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
*****Attention Members*****
The full set of the 2021 Financial Accounts are available in the Members area of the website under Report & Accounts.
16/09/2022
doncaster racecourse logo
*****Attention*****
Refunds from Doncaster
Following enquiries from some of our members regarding the refund of pre-paid fees in respect of the cancelled meeting at Doncaster on Friday 9th September.
We have contacted ARC and they tell us that their staff are processing refunds as quickly as possible. There are a significant number of refunds to process, however, ARC assure us that they will give bookmaker refunds priority.
16/09/2022
RMG Logo
*****Attention Members*****
BRBA members will now have had their RMG Q2 2022 data payments paid directly into their bank accounts, without any deduction.
We cannot speak for those members who followed other advice as the less informed associations were not involved in these discussions.
15/09/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
*****Attention Members*****
BRBA AGM 9th OCTOBER 2022
Members should note that John Carthy, MD of Racing Betting Compliance Ltd (RBC), has kindly accepted an invitation from the BRBA Board to attend the BRBA AGM scheduled to take place on 9th October 2022 at Pontefract Racecourse.
John will be taking questions from members relating to betting administration services within the framework of the new Betting Ring Services contract, recently awarded to RBC by the RCA.
Members are urged to make every effort to attend the AGM where they will have the opportunity to hear first-hand how the Betting Ring Services contract is to be implemented.
Note: only BRBA members will be admitted to the meeting on presentation of the letter of invite issued to them by the BRBA Board.
14/09/2022
RBC Logo
RBC have undertaken to process BRBA till rolls until the current stocks have been used.
Due to the recent price increase all existing stocks will be used before new stocks with the new address will be purchased.
07/09/2022
jockclublogo
Bookmakers are reminded to opt in to pay their marketing fees before trying to purchase any badges online, as the orders will not process until this is done.
01/09/2022
thirsk logo
Thirsk Racecourse have informed us that there will be a Marquee in the Centre Course with around 200 guests on Saturday 3rd September.
Two Bookmaker's will be invited to operate in there and will be allocated in accordance with their contracts.
31/08/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
*****Attention Members*****
The agenda for Monday's Board Meeting can be found in the Members only area.
31/08/2022
RBC Logo
Betting Ring Services Contract Update - Remote Picking App
26/08/2022
jockclublogo
Jockey Club Racecourses DBB fees for midweek racing
The Jockey Club has announced a continuation of reduced summer DBB charges.
For the month of September, the DBB for midweek fixtures will continue to be charged at a reduced multiple of 4x rather than the standard 5x.
JCR courses racing in September are: Carlisle, Epsom Downs, Haydock Park, Kempton Park, Market Rasen, Newmarket, Nottingham, Sandown Park & Warwick.
26/08/2022
RBC Logo
Announcement RDT Betting Ring Services Contract
23/08/2022
thirsk logo
There will be a Marquee in the Centre Course with around 100 guests on both 22nd & 30th July.
One Bookmaker will be invited to operate in there along with Bitbet.
19/07/2022
Chester Logo
Chester Open Course Bookmakers meeting
Due to the continued difficult trading conditions of the Chester Open Course, a bookmakers meeting has been arranged for Wednesday 13th July 2022 to discuss what can be done to try and better promote the upcoming meetings. Bill Colley (Jack Wilton) and Phil Jones (Jack Jones) will be in attendance and if you have any items or issues you would like to raise please send either of them an email.
Their respective email addresses are:
Thank you.
05/07/2022
jockclublogo
Jockey Club Racecourses reduces on-course betting fees for midweek racing
Tuesday 24th May 2022 - The Jockey Club has announced reduced prices for on-course bookmakers operating at midweek fixtures across its racecourse estate from next Wednesday, 1st June 2022.
The 25% reduction in fees (x3 multiple of badge price, down from the standard x4) will apply for the next three months - start of June to end of August - and follows constructive dialogue with on-course bookmakers through representatives of the British Racecourse Bookmakers’ Association (BRBA) and the Federation of Racecourse Bookmakers (FRB).
The only midweek fixtures the new policy does not apply to during this period are The Jockey Club’s festival days - The Cazoo Derby Festival, the Moët & Chandon July Festival and the Coral Summer Festival - and its racing plus music nights, given the large crowds they attract.
When racing took place with racehorse owners able to attend but not the general public for a period during the Covid-19 pandemic, The Jockey Club waived fees for on-course bookmakers.
The Jockey Club’s 15 racecourses in alphabetical order are: Aintree, Carlisle, Cheltenham, Epsom Downs, Exeter, Haydock Park, Huntingdon, Kempton Park, Market Rasen, Newmarket July Course, Newmarket Rowley Mile, Nottingham, Sandown Park, Warwick and Wincanton.
28/05/2022
hblb logo
Members will soon be receiving their Notice of Assessment and Certificate of Discharge from the HBLB.
When sharing this information members are advised not to share the profits on Leviable Bets line.
27/05/2022
Royal Ascot logo
Arrangements for Bookmakers
Royal Ascot 14th – 18th June 2022
Platinum Jubilee
23/05/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
*****Attention Members*****
The agenda for Tuesdays Board Meeting can be found in the Members only area.
Keeping members informed.
20/05/2022
CazooDerbyLogo
Arrangements for Bookmakers
The Cazoo Derby 3 & 4 June 2022
19/05/2022
CazooDerbyLogo
MESSAGE FOR ESPOM DERBY BOOKMAKERS
Please note that Cash on the Move are offering bookmakers a change collection and a banking facility in a similar manner to that at the Cheltenham & Grand National Festivals.
Details of the services provided, and the order form.
17/05/2022
wetherby logo
Wetherby Racecourse have requested us to inform members that Bookmaker and staff badges must be bought 24 hours in advance by phoning the Racecourse office on 01937 582035
From next season (October 2022) there will be an online system and the link will be on this website.
09/05/2022
york racecourse logo dark teal landscape 002
York Racecourse Annual Marketing Fee & Bookies Badge Fees 2022 Information
Follow this link...
04/05/2022
arc logo
Message from ARC
Please note that ARC have undertaken a review of their pricing structure for upcoming fixtures, and throughout the remainder of 2022.
This new pricing policy will be reflected in the badge fee for on course bookmakers. Any bookmakers who have booked advance saver badges to upcoming ARC fixtures will be automatically refunded any difference by mid-May.
The advance saver scheme which has been in place at ARC racecourses since March will remain in place, offering bookmakers the opportunity to purchase their badges in advance at a multiple of the earliest available ticket price (excluding promotions).
Equally, the difference in any annual marketing fee that has already been paid will be refunded in a similar manner.
20/04/2022
jockclublogo
MESSAGE TO AINTREE BOOKMAKERS – CASH ON THE MOVE
A banking service will be available for bookmakers at the 2022 Randox Grand National (in the same way as was available at this year’s Cheltenham Festival).
Please see attached their terms of business and an order form for the available services (orders must be placed by Wednesday 30 March), along with a racecourse layout plan.
Their unit will be located at the side of The Aintree Pavilion (as was ICE in 2019).
Grand National Banking Booking Form 2022
Aintree Grand National 2022 Map Outlined
25/03/2022
arc logo
Please note that on course bookmakers are now able to purchase an advance saver badge for all ARC fixtures from Tuesday 1st March onwards.
The saver badge must be purchased at least six days in advance of the raceday, after which the normal bookmakers badges will be available at the usual gate price.
From five days ahead until the raceday itself, bookmaker badges will be set at the gate price.This cost of saver badge will be set at a multiple of the earliest available ticket price (excluding promotional offers) for that meeting.
Any saver badges bought in advance are non-refundable, except upon abandonment of the fixture or the balloting out of a pitch position.
For example, bookmakers will be able to purchase a saver badge for fixtures on Tuesday 1 March, until 23:59 on Thursday 24 February.
For clarity, please note the following.
Fixture Day Saver Badge Available Until 23:59 The Previous
Sunday Tuesday
Monday Wednesday
Tuesday Thursday
Wednesday Friday
Thursday Saturday
Friday Sunday
Saturday Monday
These advance badges can be booked online via each racecourse website, on the specific fixture, using the code WBTRB to activate.
25/03/2022
jockclublogo
Arrangements for Bookmakers
The Randox Grand National Festival 7th to 9th April 2022
22/03/2022
RMG Logo
*****Attention Members*****
BRBA members will now have had their RMG Q4 2021 data payments paid directly into their bank accounts, without any deduction.
We cannot speak for those members who followed other advice as the less informed associations were not involved in these discussions.
Wishing all members a safe and prosperous Cheltenham 🍀🍀
15/03/2022
jockclublogo
AINTREE TEMPORARY BETTING AREAS
Thank you to all those bookmakers who took the time to respond to the consultation regarding the proposal to separately pitch-in each of the four Grand National Festival Temporary Betting Areas (rather than collectively), via the 1:1 mechanism as set out in Appendix 1 of the Aintree Bookmaker’s Licence.
I have given careful consideration to the various comments and points raised by each respondent.
Overall, I have decided that for this coming Grand National Festival (2022) the picking process will remain unaltered, however with effect from the 2023 Grand National Festival each Temporary Betting Area will be pitched in separately.
In the meantime, we will review the Bookmaker Number in each of the Temporary Betting Areas, and additionally , consider whether there are any opportunities for additional New Betting Areas in light of the many developments of public enclosures since 2006.
Dickon White
Regional Director – North West
Jockey Club Racecourses
07/03/2022
gc logo grey
BRBA Members will soon be receiving new challenge 25 notices through the post, along with an accompanying letter explaining the strategy of the Gambling Commissions (GC) Think 25 policy and reminding them of their Operating Licence responsibilities in respect of underage gambling.
In an effort to meet the challenge our members face regarding the protection of minors from gambling harm the BRBA Board, on behalf of its members, has entered into a joint Challenge 25 arrangement with Britbet. The arrangement will, over the next twelve months, result in an independent organisation monitoring the application of AV testing by on-course bookmakers.
We bring to the attention of our members that although the AV monitoring we have arranged is restricted to monitoring our members operating at Northern Racecourses the Think 25 policy and AV testing applies at all racecourses throughout Great Britain.
The BRBA encourages its members to act responsibly and take steps to ensure they have appropriate AV testing policies and procedures in place. Failure to comply could result in members having their Operating Licences withdrawn.
Think25
If you would like to print any of your own, please click the image above...
04/03/2022
thirsk logo
Minutes from 18th February meeting...
25/02/2022
jockclublogo
BLC Meeting Notes
Aintree 3rd February
Cheltenham 11th February
Newmarket 17th February
25/02/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
*****Attention Members*****
The agenda for Thursdays Board Meeting can be found in the Members only area.
Keeping members informed.
22/02/2022
jockclublogorca logo1
*****Attention Members*****
At the last quarterly BRBA/JCR meeting held at the beginning of the month, the subject of OCB's having the option to offer enhanced EW terms was discussed in order to be able to compete with the off course and it was agreed that we should put this proposal to the RCA to put to their Betting Advisory Group.
We are pleased to inform ALL OCB's that this proposal will be put forward.
17/02/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
*****Attention Members*****
The next Directors Meeting will be on Thursday 24th February at the Leeds office.
The agenda will be posted in the members area next week.
Any member wishing to raise an issue under AOB, please contact the office.
16/02/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
Additional Discretionary Grants
We have been informed that further limited grants are available for the period 01.04.2021 - present, which again are discretionary and not subject to appeal.
Members may wish to re visit previous claims to see if they qualify.
10/02/2022
brbashieldlogoblack
***** Attention Members *****
The BRBA has arranged a BLC meeting for the for the four courses managed by the IRM (Catterick, Redcar, Thirsk and Wetherby) on 18th February, should any member wish for an issue to be raised please contact the BRBA office.
For members of the less represented trade bodies they can still contact the office or Mark Sawyer who can add their question to the agenda.
07/02/2022
RacingPartnership
Those Bookmakers who have opted to receive their TRP payments without deduction at source should check their Bank accounts as the BRBA has now made the final distribution of monies received from TRP to repay to OCB's.
Those who were persuaded to use an alternative route should make their own enquires about any remaining payments that may be due to them.
The BRBA will continue to keep you up to date on industry issues.
27/01/2022
****Attention Members****
New Covid Rules and Guidance!
16/12/2021
brbashieldlogoblack
Point to Point Optins
Can be found under the Point to Point options above in the drop down menu.
09/12/2021
Chester Logo
Chester Bookmakers Meeting.
There will be a Bookmakers meeting Wednesday 15th December, the BRBA will be sending a representative.
If any bookmaker would like an issue raising please contact the office before Tuesday 14th December.
09/12/2021
york racecourse logo dark teal landscape 002
York Bookmakers Meeting.
There will be a Bookmakers meeting on Thursday 16th December, with a representative from each enclosure.
If any bookmaker would like an issue raising please contact the office before Friday.
07/12/2021
Beverley Logo
Beverley Bookmakers Meeting.
There will be a Bookmakers meeting on Friday 10th December, with a representative from each enclosure.
If any bookmaker would like an issue raising please contact the office before Friday.
06/12/2021
*****Attention Members*****
Further good news for you on data payments
Bookmakers will now have received their quarter 3, 2021 data payments in full, if signed up for direct payments from RMG (as advised by the BRBA) once again without any deduction.
Keep safe
17/11/2021
brbashieldlogoblack
SALES TIMETABLE FOR GROUP B POINTS
1) REQUESTS TO SELL TO BE SENT TO
2) REQUESTS TO BUY ON THE BASIS OF BEST POSSIBLE POSITION TO BE SENT TO
3) RESULTS WILL BE POSTED ON THE BRBA FORUM BY DEC 2ND. ANY QUERIES CONCERNING RESULTS TO BE LODGED BY DEC 8TH.
4) INVOICES WILL BE SENT BY DEC 16TH WHEN RESULTS WILL BE FINAL. THESE TO BE SETTLED BY JAN 7TH 2022.
NOTES: CLEVELAND, BILSDALE AND PENDLE NOT AVAILABLE.
ALL TRANSACTIONS TO BE DONE VIA THE ABOVE EMAIL ADDRESS.
11/11/2021
brbashieldlogoblack
In line with the BRBA's policy of openness and inclusion, the agenda for the next Directors meeting is published in the Members only area of the website.
Any Director will be happy to give you an update.
04/11/2021
DCMS Logo
Responses from DCMS to Various Communications from the BRBA
(Click Here)
HoC
We will continue to update members about our discussions from our contacts in Parliament.
01/11/2021
SPRC logo
*****ATTENTION*****
Starting Prices and On-course Data
On Monday 25 October 2021 several members of the BRBA board met with Nick Rust (Chairman of the Starting Price Regulatory Commission). The main objective of the meeting was to discuss the current Starting Price (SP) mechanism and to determine whether it was the intention of the SPRC to further revise the mechanism so that the SP calculation included data provided by on-course bookmakers.
Nick Rust explained that the SPRC had been reviewing the temporary arrangements for returning SPs which had been brought in during June 2020 when racing returned behind closed doors following a suspension. Without on-course bookmakers, an emergency system was put it in place using samples from a number of off-course betting operators. The SPRC had subsequently announced in March 2021 that it had decided that SPs would reflect prices available in the whole of the UK market, meaning that off-course prices would form the majority of the sample for the SP.The temporary system remained in place at that point, and continues to do so. Although it has worked well, after 16 months the SPRC felt it was time to move from temporary arrangements to a more permanent system which fully reflected the current market situation.
Whilst the SPRC sets policy for the SP mechanism, it does not have the power to force betting operators (whether on-course or off-course) to provide their price data to be considered as part of the mechanism. In its October board it had concluded that it wanted to more clearly define the qualifying criteria for a price source (which would be based around availability of the supply of the price as well as the technical protocols in place to deliver a data feed to PA’s SP validation system) and seek to encourage betting operators to take part so as to provide as wide a variety of qualifying price sources as possible from which the SP in any given race could be determined.
Nick Rust said that the SPRC board would welcome the inclusion of on-course prices and felt sure that there would be no issue on meeting the qualifying criteria on “available supply of price”. A technical solution would need to be devised. He pointed out that when the SPRC made its statement in March about the decision to no longer solely rely on on-course prices, off-course betting operators were keen to keep a feed of on-course prices in the sample and had (through the Betting and Gaming Council) offered a sum of £70,000 to assist with a technical solution. He felt this money would still be available to on-course operators if they wanted to work to a solution that met the technical requirements to feed in to PA.
Since the meeting the BRBA has contacted both RDT and Elite with a view to developing a data system on behalf of on-course bookmakers which would meet the stringent requirements of the new SP mechanism. We intend to hold further talks with Nick Rust, RDT and Elite to further discuss the provision of on-course data in accordance with the required format.
Keep Safe
28/10/2021
jockclublogo brbashieldlogoblack
Update on Latest JCR & BRBA Bookmakers Meeting
Follow this link...
19/10/2021
***** Attention Members *****
More Good News on Data Payments
RacingPartnership
As a result of our continuing negotiations with TRP, the BRBA are pleased to announce that we have now received data payments on behalf of members from TRP for Q3 (the quarter ended 30/09/2019). The payments received represent 20% of the payment bookmakers received from TRP in the same quarter 2019.
These payments have now been distributed.
Please remember that the BRBA, distributes 100% of the data monies we receive on your behalf. We do NOT make deductions from data monies we collect FOR YOU to pay Directors salaries for the administration of BRBA services. This has not been the case of another distribution body who have previously paid Directors and Company Secretary fees from data monies they collect on behalf of bookmakers.
04/10/2021
brbashieldlogoblack
The office has returned to normal hours, 9am - 2pm, Monday - Friday.
04/10/2021
*****ATTENTION*****
DATA PAYMENTS
brbashieldlogoblack
In accordance with the mandate given to the BRBA board at our recent AGM several members of the board met with Ed Gretton (Director of Racing RMG) on Friday 23 September 2021 to discuss the subject of data payments to on-course bookmakers under the terms of the data contracts issued by RMG to BRBA members in 2018.
We are pleased to announce that the meeting went well and we received a verbal undertaking from Ed that data payments (subject to RMG board approval) will continue in line with the terms and conditions of your individual data contracts with RMG.
Once Ed has consulted with the RMG board we hope to receive written confirmation of RMG’s commitment to continue making data payments. We intend to post the confirmation letter on the BRBA website in due course.
Keep Safe
29/09/2021
Happy 90th Derrick Wright!
From all the BRBA members
IMG 20210914 WA0009 002
21/09/2021
wetherby logo
Good news for Wetherby Bookmakers
08/09/2021
*****Attention BRBA & ESBA Members ******
We are once again offering members the chance to enjoy bulk purchasing discounts at Aintree in 2022.
Grand National 2022 Prices
07/09/2022
arc logo
The marketing fee for ARC Racecourses is now live online and is effective from 1st September.
The marketing fee can be found in the same section for booking the DBB fee for each racecourse, example below;
Annual 1
The link in this section takes you to the Annual Members Page where the Annual Marketing Fee can be purchased.
Annual 2
06/09/2021
arc logo
ARC Advance Purchase Update & Refunds Process Message
An update to the booking process following on from the introduction of the advance purchase of Daily Betting Badges across all our racecourses. We ask that bookmakers use their trading name on the booking form when purchasing their Daily Betting Badges online. This will ensure that the pitching up process is as efficient as possible and also assist with the refund process where applicable.
The refund process if you are not attending a meeting that you have already purchased a Daily Betting Badge for is to reply to the confirmation or ticket email that you have received requesting a refund at the earliest opportunity and no later than when gates open for that particular meeting, the same process applies if requesting a refund for an additional staff member ticket that is no longer required. The tickets will be cancelled and a refund will be processed back to the card on which the purchase was made.
If, due to unforeseen circumstances, a refund is required post gates opening then again reply to the confirmation email explaining the circumstances and the request will be confirmed via the Racing Office once cross referenced with the information supplied on the day by the Betting Ring Manager. Any refund queries should be made by replying to the confirmation email.
If you experience any issues with the booking process please contact the relevant number below in normal business hours, alternatively contact the racecourse directly;
Doncaster, Yarmouth, Newcastle, Sedgefield, Southwell, Uttoxeter, Wolverhampton – contact 01302 499 731.
Bath, Brighton, Chepstow, Ffos Las, Fontwell, Hereford, Lingfield, Royal Windsor, Worcester – contact 01342 831 791
19/08/2021
***** Attention Members *****
brbashieldlogoblack
Due to a 20% world wide increase in paper prices it is regretted that the current BRBA members price cannot be sustained.
Members orders placed before 1st September will be at the existing price of £115 for 4 boxes delivered to any U.K. address.
While current stock lasts.
13/08/2021
***** Attention Members *****
brbashieldlogoblack
Newsletter 10/08/2021
10/08/2021
***** Attention Members *****
RacingPartnership
Those members who have elected to have their data monies collected by the BRBA should check their Bank accounts as the latest TRP payments have now been transferred from the BRBA clients account to members accounts.
06/08/2021
***** Attention Members *****
gc logo grey
Follow the link to eServices and log in to make sure you are up to date with the Gambling Commission renewals.
(eServices)
04/08/2021
For those members who are attending Linda's funeral on Wednesday, her family have asked us to warn mourners that due to continuing restrictions only a maximum of 100 are allowed in Church which may mean some having to stand outside.
There will be no restrictions at the wake afterwards at Swarcliffe WMC where all will be welcome.
26/07/2021
***** Attention Members *****
brbashieldlogoblack jockclublogo
(Follow link below)
Update on JCR and BRBA Meeting
22/07/2021
For those attending the funeral of Linda next Wednesday, her family have suggested you where a splash of yellow as it was Linda's favourite colour.
Anyone who would like to make a donation to MND please follow this link....
22/07/2021
arc logo
The booking fee that has been applied up to this point when bookmakers have purchased their Daily Betting Badge has now been rectified in our booking system and no booking fees will be applied for future purchases.
All bookings up to this point that had a booking fee applied will have the fee refunded to the original payment method. The refund will be returned within a maximum of 30 days.
22/07/2021
arc logo
Chepstow & Ffos Las Update
ARC will continue to operate with a limit of 50% of Bookmakers pitches in operation at Chepstow and Ffos Las fixtures that are taking place prior to the 9th August due to the restrictions still in place in Wales. There will be no Daily Betting Badge Fee for the fixtures at these two courses and this will be in place until the 8th August. As of the 9th August onwards all bookmakers will be able to return to Chepstow and Ffos Las and the Daily Betting Badge Fee of 3 x admission price up to the 1st September will be applied.
19/07/2021
arc logo
ARC Message
From the 19th July onwards Bookmakers must purchase their Daily Betting Badges online in advance for all ARC courses, there will be no facility to purchase at the site on the day. Online purchase can be made until 11am on the Raceday with the e-ticket being delivered straight to a smartphone via e-mail. These can also be printed for presentation if preferred.
The online Daily Betting Badge fee will give admission for the bookmaker and one member of staff as well as including the AGT daily fee.
Bookmakers with multiple pitches must buy a ticket for each pitch.
For bookmakers who are annual members, there is the option to buy a badge with the payment reduced by 1x. These badges will not include an admission barcoded ticket and you will need to scan your annual member badge to gain entry to the site.
The Annual Marketing Fee will not be payable until 1st September 2021.
Go to the racecourse website and purchase the bookmaker’s tickets using the promo code WBTRB (Follow this link for an example).
19/07/2021
jockclublogo
MESSAGE FOR BOOKMAKERS AT JOCKEY CLUB RACECOURSES
Further to the easing of COVID restrictions on Monday 19 July, we are delighted to be able to welcome back increased numbers of spectators and indeed more bookmakers.
Accordingly, from that date the temporary reduction of bookmaker numbers will cease, and we will revert to the pre-COVID bookmaker numbers.
Bookmakers must purchase their DBB and admission badges online in advance (available up until 10.30 on racedays). Remember that the DBB is discounted online by one multiple to enable bookmakers who are annual members to use their badge to gain entry. If you are not an annual member you must purchase an admission badge for you and your staff. There are no longer restrictions on how many members of staff you may take with you. Please note you will not get access to the racecourse without a pre-purchased online DBB or admission ticket. There will not be a Badge Box in operation.
Refer to ‘JCR ADVANCE PAYMENTS’ follow the link to purchase DBB and admission badges. DBB will now be charged at the applicable multiple, rather than the hitherto x3 rate. The AMF will not be charged until 1st September 2021.
There may be locally imposed COVID protocols at some racecourses, and if so bookmakers and staff must of course comply with such.
Finally, for those bookmakers that have not been able to attend since early last year, welcome back to JCR racecourses.
Jockey Club Racecourses
16/07/2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Linda McDonnell who passed away after a long battle with motor neurone disease.
Our deepest sympathies go to her husband Gerry and their daughters.
Funeral details are:
13:00 on Wednesday 28th July at Manston St James
Church Lane
Crossgates
Leeds
LS15 8JB
And afterwards at Swarcliffe WMC
Swarcliffe Ave
Leeds
LS14 5HD
Please contact the office between 12:00 - 14:00, Monday - Friday, if you would like contact to Gerry for more information.
R.I.P Linda
16/07/2021
brbashieldlogoblack
***** Attention Members *****
Note for your diary
Nav Diaries Image 1
The 97th Annual General Meeting of the BRBA will be held on Sunday 12th September at the Mercure Hotel Wetherby.
Members will be given full details soon.
05/07/2021
brbashieldlogoblack
Members who wish to advertise their availability for work to other bookmakers may do so free of charge on the Classified Ads section of the website.
28/06/2021
arc logo
ARC Message for On-course Bookmakers
Following the recent government announcement of a further delay to the full lifting of restrictions ARC are pleased to announce that we will continue with our current policy of not charging a Daily Betting Badge fee for on course bookmakers and their staff up to and including the 18th July (a maximum of 3 people including the bookmaker allowed).
From the 19th July ARC will reintroduce the Daily Betting Badge fee at a rate of 3 x public admission price across all our racecourses, this rate will remain in place until the end of August.
On the 1st September normal Daily Betting Badge fees will be reintroduced along with the Annual Marketing Fee across all ARC racecourses.
Please note that the Daily Betting Badge fees and the Annual Marketing Fee will no longer be payable by cash and the process for payment will be confirmed before fees are reintroduced on the 19th July.
To accommodate social distancing rules we will continue to operate a maximum capacity of 50% of bookmaker pitches until the 19th July.
18/06/2021
brbashieldlogoblack
******Attention Members*******
After consultatuon with senior industry figures the BRBA sent the following email to AGT onSunday regarding last weeks intial announcement regarding rule 4 deduction's and its potential consequences.
(The Email)
15/06/2021
DBEI Logo
*****ATTENTION*****
MEMBERS
Additional Restriction Grants
In an effort to engage with various authoritative bodies on behalf of its members, the BRBA board recently wrote to Paul Scully MP (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy) and Nigel Huddleston MP (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport), regarding a letter they had circulated to Local Authority Chief Executives thanking them for the efforts they have made in delivering the financial support to businesses made available under various Government grant schemes (see BRBA letter on website).
Our letter made reference to the experiences reported to us by some of our members who on applying for support under the ARG scheme found a number of local authorities where they had invested in picks less then helpful. In our letter we also enquired about help under the Restart Scheme for on-course bookmakers.
The BRBA has now had a response in respect of its letter from Paul Scully MP (see letter from Paul Scully MP on website), setting out the Governments position regarding the administration of Additional Restriction Grants and Restart Grants.
As members will see Paul Scully encourages businesses that have not been able to access support, or who are unsure about the support available, to contact their nearest Business Growth Hub.
(Letter to Paul Skully 09/04/21) (Letter from Paul Skully 20/05/21)
Keep Safe
27/05/2021
As the Covid lockdown becomes increasingly relaxed, government guidelines re paying spectators at race meetings is as follows:Either 4000 or 50% of usual attendance which is the smaller. Although these are only guidelines it is expected that all racecourses will operate with these figures.
Therefore, bookmaker numbers will need to be adjusted proportionately. This raises the question of how the number of bookmakers will be determined and in what areas.
Although the bookmaker associations can make suggestions to the final analysis the decision as to how many bookmakers will be allowed to bet and in what areas will rest with individual courses.
The former issue will be determined based on punter- bookmaker ratios. A range of ratios from 200/1 to 100/1 have been considered, the reason for the large spread being in part down to the ability of the Punters to get to the Bookmakers.
Whatever the decision taken by individual racecourse some bookmakers and punters will not be satisfied but it is in the interests of the racecourses to satisfy both punters and bookmakers. Thus, determination of the appropriate ratio is difficult and will differ from racecourse to racecourse, because of the fact that the percentage of spectators betting will differ on different courses and different days.
It may be further complicated by the fact that local authorities can intervene in this process.The above details will be in place until June 21st when the guidelines will probably be adjusted by the government.The choice of which bookmakers will be able to attend meetings is less complicated since it will be determined by the seniority lists.
24/05/2021
WARNING
Now that some bookmakers are returning back to work a warning has been issued by Tony Styles to his northern chums to the presence of forged £20 notes.
Things to look out for are;
Serial numbers are not identical, (current batch we have been warned about end in 552)
Check the colouring between ones you may already have.
The New 20 front and back
19/05/2021
RacingPartnership
More good news for BRBA Bookmakers
As a result of our continuing negotiations with TRP the BRBA are pleased to announce that we have now received data payments on behalf of members from TRP for Q1 (the quarter ended 31/03/2020). The payments received represent 20% of the payment bookmakers received from TRP in the same quarter last year. These payments will be distributed shortly.
Please remember that the BRBA, distributes 100% of the data monies we receive on your behalf. We do NOT make deductions from data monies we collect FOR YOU to pay Directors salaries for the administration of BRBA services. This has not been the case of another distribution body who have previously paid Directors and Company Secretary fees from data monies they collect on behalf of bookmakers.
04/05/2021
arc logo
ARC are pleased to announce that there will be no entry fees for on course bookmakers and their staff (up to a maximum of 3 people including the bookmaker) when the next stage of covid restrictions are lifted on the 17th May across all ARC racecourses. This will be reviewed for fixtures from the 21st June onwards based on any restrictions that may still be in place from that date. ARC will stagger the reintroduction of on course bookmaker entry fees on, or after the 21st June, so that they gradually increase to normal levels in stages rather than in one go.In addition to this ARC will not be charging any marketing fees to on course bookmakers until the 1st September this year.To accommodate social distancing rules we will operate a maximum capacity of 50% of bookmaker pitches until the 21st June at the earliest. Spectator numbers are restricted to a maximum of 4,000 between 17th May and 21st June and actual attendances will be determined by each individual racecourse in line with COVID restrictions.
30/04/2021
york racecourse logo dark teal landscape 002
Follow the link below.
Message from York Racecourse
29/04/2021
jockclublogo
Message to Bookmakers with a List Position on Jockey Club Racecourses’ (JCR) Tracks
We are delighted to be able to welcome back spectators and on-course bookmakers with effect from 17 May.
As you are aware, between 17th May and 21st June, spectator numbers are restricted to a maximum of 4,000. The precise spectator number will be determined by individual racecourses taking into consideration COVID-19 and other Health & Safety factors, and notified accordingly.On-course bookmaker numbers will be determined by assessing the actual number of spectators that can access betting areas and them applying the 1 : 150 ratio of bookmakers to members of the public with such access.During this period, bookmakers will be charged for a Daily Betting Badge at a rate of 3 x the public admission price. All Daily Betting badges will need to be pre-paid, prior to arrival at the racecourse. All persons attending to work on a pitch (maximum of two persons per pitch) will be required to supply contact details for the Government Track and Trace system and confirm they are happy to comply with the Jockey Club Code of Conduct. The applicable Daily Betting Badge fee for the remainder of the year will be notified before 21st June.There will not be an Annual Marketing Fee charge, this will be reviewed on 1st September 2021.We look forward to the gradual return to welcoming more people back to JCR tracks during this year.
29/04/2021
brbashieldlogoblack
Members are reminded that the dates proposed for relaxation of restrictions are the earliest dates for return and these will only be confirmed seven days before, i.e. 10th May and 14th June.
On top of this local restrictions could also well apply and we will try and keep members updated.
23/04/2021
*****ATTENTION*****
MEMBERS
Government Grants & SupportTo Clarify the position regarding Government grant support.To the best of our knowledge bookmakers were entitled to apply for grant support under the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) scheme.Bookmakers were able to apply under the rules of the ARG scheme to the Local Authority in the area where they resided for support, and also to other Local Authorities where they had invested in pitches (picks).As ARG support is discretionary not all Local Authorities awarded grant aid to bookmakers, and some Local Authorities chose not to award a grant to bookmakers residing outside the area of their boundary.ARG schemes are now drawing to a close, in fact most Local Authorities are no longer accepting applications for support under the ARG scheme. Bookmakers are advised to visit their Local Authority website, and the websites of other Local Authorities where the hold pitches, to see whether ARG schemes are still open and, if so, are advised to apply quickly.A letter has been sent on behalf of BRBA members to Paul Scully MP (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy) and Nigel Huddleston MP.(Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport) bringing to their attention the experiences of some of our members who have applied for ARG support and also asking if a scheme similar to the Restart Grant scheme (applicable to businesses with a rateable value), is being considered for businesses like ours (see copy of our letter by clicking here). We intend to publish, in due course, any response we receive to our letter from Paul Scully MP and/or Nigel Huddleston MP.Keep Safe
22/04/2021
brbashieldlogoblack
We have just received an email about a new Discretionary grant being avaliable to us in the Leeds area.
Please check with your local authorities to see if any new funding is available to you.
01/04/2021
*****ATTENTION*****
MEMBERS
REVIEW OF GAMBLING ACT 2005DCMS are in the process of reviewing the 2005 Gambling Act. One of the main reasons for doing so is:To make changes where necessary to ensure an effective regularity framework is in place, to ascertain whether further protections are needed, and that the regularity framework is fit for the digital age.On behalf of its members the BRBA board, in consultation with various significant stakeholders, prepared a detailed response to the planned review by the DCMS in its review of the 2005 Act.This response has now been submitted to DCMS in accordance with the timeframe set for submitting responses.
Keep Safe
01/04/2021
gc logo grey
*****ATTENTION*****
MEMBERS
Gambling Commission and DCMSMembers should be aware that the Association has previously written to the AGT and RCA on behalf of members strongly opposing the daily betting administration fee increases of 25% and 30% AGT announced in December of last year.Following contact from members expressing concerns over the increase in licence fees of 15% now proposed by the Gambling Commission the Association can confirm that it has written to both the Gambling Commission and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) regarding the Commission’s proposal.Follow the links below to view the following:
1. Response to Gambling Commission proposal
2. Letter of concern to the DCMSThe BRBA Board can assure its members that it continues to pursue the matter of increases in daily betting administration fees and the proposed licence fee increases on their behalf.Keep Safe
15/03/2021
BHA Logo
Everyone is advised to check the BHA website regularly due to fixture changes from July onwards.
09/03/2021
Our old friend and colleague Victor Lee has shared some very sad news with us.
06/03/2021
It is with great sadness & regret to announce the death of Robert Denman on Monday 1st of March after losing his battle with leukemia.
Known to everyone as Bob he was well known on the northern and Scottish tracks.He was a
member of our association for 38years.R.I.P Bob
Bob Denman
02/03/2021
*****ATTENTION*****
MEMBERS
AGT
As BRBA members are aware the Board recently wrote to AGT regarding the message “A New Message for all Bookmakers” posted on their website. In the message the AGT made an attempt to justify their decision to significantly increase daily Betting Administration Fees.
In our response to the message we challenged the AGT’s decision to increase BAF’s and asked for additional information and clarification regarding several points on which the fee increase decision was based. We have now received the following message from Tim Moore (Managing Director AGT):
“We note the contents of your letter dated 8th February 2021. However, we do not intend to go into any further detail on these matters than we have done already”.
“Regards”
“Tim Moore - Managing Director”The BRBA Board can assure its members that it continues to pursue this matter on their behalf.
Keep Safe
24/02/2021
Ombuds Logo
The BRBA have been campaigning on behalf ALL on course bookmakers regarding what would appear to be cases of discrimination against us from certain banks.
For those (BRBA or not) who feel they have a complaint please see the contact details attached.
Please contact the office should you need any help with future applications.
23/02/2021
SPRC logo
Due to the concern raised by members over recent SP returns we have written to the SPRC to seek further clarity.
Please see the attached letter.
17/02/2021
brbashieldlogoblack
Response to AGT message for ALL Bookmakers
Please see linked below the Association’s response to this notice.
(Letter to AGT)
We will of course share with you any intended reply from AGT.
12/02/2021
*****ATTENTION*****
BRBA MEMBERSHIP FEES AND LETTER TO AGT
Membership Fees
In recognition of the hardship members are experiencing under the on-going lockdown restrictions the BRBA Directors have agreed that for the year 1st May 2021 to 30th April 2022 BRBA membership fee will remain at £50.
The Fee is set at a level which will cover compulsory payments made by the association on behalf of members i.e members Public Liability Insurance and research into gambling harm. Any shortfall in the association's income against expenditure in the coming year will be met from the association's reserves.
Requests for payment of fees will be sent out to members in due course.
AGT
Following the recent message posted on the AGT website (A New Message for all Bookmakers), in an attempt to explain the AGT's decision to significantly increase daily Betting Administration Fees (BAFS), the BRBA Board, having received a number of calls from members opposed to the fee increase, has written directly to Tim Moore at AGT regarding the decision to increase fees.
In our letter the ojection of our members to the BAF increases has been made clear, and each of the points put forward by AGT in support of their fee increases have been addressed.
Keep Safe
08/02/2021
MEMBERS BALLOT
Please note the BRBA is in the process of balloting members to seek their views on the daily betting administration fees announced recently by AGT Ltd. Depending on the outcome of the ballot a decision will be made in respect of any further action the Board may take regarding the fee increases and in formally asking RCA to thoroughly review what we believe is an administration of gambling on tracks model which, in terms of cost to bookmakers, is unsustainable.You should receive an email from us regarding the ballot by the 28th January. Should you fail to receive your email then please contact the BRBA main office by telephone (0113 264 0241). The office is currently manned 12 - 2, Monday to Friday.
18/01/2021
*****ATTENTION*****
DATA PAYMENTS
As a result of negotiations with TRP the BRBA are pleased to announce that we have now received data payments from TRP for the Q4 (the quarter ended 31/12/2019). The payments received represent 20% of the payment you received from TRP in the same quarter last year. These payments will be distributed shortly.Please note that the BRBA distributes 100% of the data monies we receive on your behalf. We do NOT make deductions from data monies we collect FOR YOU to pay administration fees, salaries or bolster our reserves.
Further data payments from TRP are subject to ongoing review.
Keep Safe
15/01/2021
Bookmakers are advised to check their Local Authority websites on a daily basis in order to get the maximum benefit from the grants available.
11/01/2021
gov uk
Today (5th January 2021) following the introduction of the Government's latest Covod-19 national lockdown plans...
Rishi Sunak has announced a £4.6bn fresh financial support package for struggling UK companies a day after the government imposed its toughest Covid-19 restrictions since last spring. The chancellor said the Treasury would provide £4bn of one-off “top-up grants” for an estimated 600,000 retail, hospitality and leisure companies, which can each claim up to £9,000. There will also be a new £594m discretionary fund made available for councils to support other businesses that are not eligible for those grants but are affected by the restrictions.
05/01/2021
Racecourse Attendance Guidance
Following the Government announcement on 4th January 2021 re new Covid-19 national lockdown rules the BHA have issued the following statement:
"We can confirm racing will continue behind closed doors during the upcoming national lockdown".
This means that bookmakers will NOT be allowed to operate on-course at any racecourse until further notice.
05/01/2021
Administration of Gambling on Tracks
Based on the number of calls we have received from members relating to the decision by AGT to impose significant daily betting administration fee increases, at a time when bookmakers are themselves experiencing restrictions and trading difficulties, the Board of the BRBA would like to assure members that we are in the process of writing to the RCA to put on record on their behalf our objections to the proposed fee increases. In our letter to RCA we will also reiterate previous concerns regarding the affordability and sustainability of the current administration of gambling on tracks service, and again bring to the attention of RCA that going forward we are looking for a thorough review of the administration service.
30/12/2020
brbashieldlogoblack
The Office will now be taking telephone calls Monday - Friday for two hours from 12.00 to help keep members up to date with any news.
05/01/2021
brbashieldlogoblack
ARG Grants
Bookmakers are reminded to submit their applications as early as possible to comply with their Local Authority deadlines.
We would like to hear from anyone having problems or suffering from what they feel may be discrimination towards our industry.
14/12/2020
gov uk
New business support grant available
Please check your local council for more details as this is for Leeds.
Grants are now available for businesses who have not had any other financial support because of coronavirus restrictions.The scheme is aimed at businesses struggling to pay fixed business costs due to the impact of coronavirus. This can include home-based businesses.This grant can be used to pay for things such as:
rent and service charges for business premises
business related insurance such as public liability insurance
commercial vehicle costs
membership fees to a professional body
essential licence costs
You will not qualify if your business has had any other financial support from us or from the government (like a grant or Self-Employment Income Support).Find out more and apply at Coronavirus – grants for businesses.
07/12/2020
brbashieldlogoblack
Members are advised to apply as soon as possible with their local authority for the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) and/or the Supply Chain Grant.
04/12/2020
gov uk
Due to concerns expressed by a number of members we have written to the DCMS questioning the collection of licensing fees by the Gambling Commission during a period in which On Course Bookmakers have not been able to operate as a result of Government restrictions.
The letter to the DCMS is attached for your attention
(Click above)
04/12/2020
brbashieldlogoblack
Point to Point waiting list forms were sent out on Tuesday, this year the fee per track is reduced to £1 from the usual £3.
Please ensure completed forms and payment is returned before 31st December.
03/12/2020
jockclublogo
ARRANGEMENTS for BOOKMAKERS at JOCKEY CLUB RACECOURSES w/c 30/11/20
(Click above)
01/12/2020
brbashieldlogoblack
Due to the continuing hardship being endured by our members it has been agreed that existing Point to Point authorization's and Reps cards do not have to be renewed for the 20-21 season and waiting list fees will be reduced by 67% to £1 per fixture.All members will receive their calendar or Diary as usual this year.The Directors are meeting each Friday and if any member wants to raise any questions for the meeting please e-mail the office.
28/11/2020
jockclublogo
Message to Bookmakers with List Positions at Jockey Club Racecourses.
As you are aware from the Winter Plan announced by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday, outdoor sporting events in Tier 1 & Tier 2 in England will be able to offer public attendance with effect from Wednesday 2 December 2020.This is obviously very welcome news and we look forward to welcoming back racegoers and on-course bookmakers next week. The maximum attendances set by the government for racecourses in Tier 1 areas is 4,000, and for those in Tier 2 2000, however each racecourse has calculated their own socially distanced capacity, which is dependent on the areas available for spectators and approval by the local Safety Advisory Group and Public Health Officials.It is of great importance on Health & Safety grounds, that we control and know in advance the number of people that will be on site each raceday. Accordingly, for that reason we are unable to allow unrestricted bookmaker attendance and will temporarily reduce the Bookmaker Number at each racecourse while the public attendance restrictions remain in place.In order to determine the maximum Bookmaker Number we have, as a guide, used a ratio of one bookmaker to 150 members of the public. Each racecourse will calculate the number of bookmakers required for each raceday using this guide, together with the number of pitches that will be available, ensuring social distancing and all Covid protocols are being followed on each site. Racecourses are working with their local Safety Advisory Group and Public Health Officials to agree their capacities, it is likely that the first raceday at each course will be a test event and therefore lower than the socially distanced capacity which will be used going forwards. The aim will be to retain as closely as possible the ratio of Tattersalls to Rails bookmakers as per the existing Bookmaker Number.The temporary maximum Bookmaker Number (by betting area) per racecourse will be notified via the website in due course, along with the opting in arrangements.We are pleased to confirm that bookmaker fees (including an additional member of staff) will not be levied for the remainder of 2020 and look forward to the public and bookmakers being back on our racecourses.
27/11/2020
brbashieldlogoblack
All Bookmakers who receive their TRP data fees via the BRBA will by now have received the first of their lockdown data fees.
We would like to stress that these are additional funds received from TRP as the BRBA had a policy of 100% distribution of data monies it receives without deduction.
26/11/2020
jockclublogo
A big thank you to JCR from ALL on course Bookmakers for their generous gesture regarding our on course fees
(Click above)
26/11/2020
arc logo
A big thank you to Arena Racing from ALL on course Bookmakers for their generous gesture regarding our on course fees
(Click above)
25/11/2020
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Edward "Teddy" Martin.
Stalwart tictac and floor man of the northern bookmaking fraturnity for over fifty years.
"As we lay them, we lower them"
New Stockton Crematorium
Junction Road
Stockton on Tees
TS19 9NAFriday 27th Novermeber 3PM
23/11/2020
brbashieldlogoblack
News Update
(Click above)
21/11/2020
brbashieldlogoblack
During these long periods of inactivity Bookmakers should contact their hardware providers for advice on how to keep their batteries and equipment maintained.
12/11/2020
HoC
The Directors would like to thank the members who have contacted their MP's and we are pleased to inform you that they will be putting our case forward next week in Parliament.
04/10/2020
brbashieldlogoblack
Some changes are currently happening to the website, all members will need to contact us via the Contact Us page or directly via email for a new login to get access to the Members Area and the Forums.
Once the new logins are confirmed please make sure to click "Accept Cookies" before logging in.
The Forum will be starting a fresh as the old plugin used hasn't been updated and we have had to go with a newer one.
02/10/2020
Members attending events behind closed doors need to establish what fees if any will be paid to both the Racecourse and AGT.
29/09/2020
arc logo
The Directors of the BRBA are delighted to inform members that we have negotiated on your behalf an additional payment from TRP effective from 1st July 2020 of 20% of your 2019 quarterly payments.
This agreement with TRP is set to continue until further notice.
Along with all payments made by the BRBA these will be made without any deduction.
29/09/2020
brbashieldlogoblack
There is a Board Meeting on 29th September to discuss the continuing effects of the pandemic on our industry.
Should anyone like to make suggestions please contact one of the Directors.
22/09/2020
We understand that many Bookmakers are having problems opening or maintaining business bank accounts. We would like to hear from any bookmaker member or not, who feels that they have been discriminated against by the Banking sector for being an OCB to present a robust presentation. All e-mails will be treated with the strictest confidence.
The latest letters to and from the Gambling Commission can be found in the GC section in the members-only section.
14/09/2020
arc logo
Message from Arena Racing
As agreed with AGT, all bookmakers attending a raceday under the current trial of on-course betting are required to have completed Covid-19 training. This can be either the BHA's official training programme accessible via Racing2Learn here or the training for those in the amber zone (i.e. owners' zone) accessible here.
Please note that numbers are strictly limited to one bookmaker plus a maximum of two workers.
We look forward to seeing you next week for the St Leger Festival.
03/09/2020
gov uk
Urgent notice for ALL Bookmakers
Self Employed second Grant available.
17/08/2020
Whist we all understand that public safety must take absolute priority, given the levels of concern raised on card only betting, we have prepared a document on this issue which we have sent to our contacts at the various Racecourse Groups. This could supplement any Government advice they have had...
Cash VS Card
On a more positive note, after recent communication we are told it is proposed that a small number of bookmakers will be invited to attend a race meeting sometime next week and they will be allowed to accept cash bets alongside debit card transactions.
The crowd will only consist of owners and COVID protocols must be strictly observed.
14/08/2020
Given the ongoing problems ALL on Course Bookmakers are having with the banking sector, we have written to both the Banking Ombudsman and the Gambling Commission CEO, please follow the link below.
Would any On Course Bookmaker who would like to contribute to this please e mail the Office.
Ombudsman Letter 07/08/2020
10/08/2020
gc-logo-grey
Urgent notice for Members in the Members only section on the top of the Gambling Commission page along with the letter on your behalf to the Commission.
06/08/2020
It's with great sadness we have just been informed of the death of long-standing friend and former member Pat Ryan.
As soon as we have any further details we will let you know.
We all send our deepest sympathies to his family.
R.I.P. Pat
At Fridays Board meeting it was agreed that whilst we would be pleased to help with any trial for the return to attended racing we are completely opposed to the removal of choice for our customers on the use cash or card to make their purchases with Bookmakers in contrast of with any other type of transaction.
We are continuing to work directly and via the AGT technical group with racecourses on an equitable and trouble free return to on course bookmaking.
Business Banking
The BRBA has been working closely with other stakeholders in the industry, to establish a low cost Group Scheme for the benefit of ALL on course Bookmakers and we hope to update you soon.
brbashieldlogoblack
Due to the current situation the office is now closed.
The Directors will still be monitoring the emails.
Stay safe.
BRBA Board.
gov uk
Members are remined to submit their quarterly General Betting Duty returns.
Notice for ALL On Course Bookmakers.
The BRBA has been working with all levels at the Commission in an effort to reduce your costs.
Sadly it would appear the only path to do so is to consider reducing your days at the next renewal. Please see the attached advice from the CEO which you should consider taking if this will help but you will need to give 4-6 weeks notice.
Letter sent to the Gambling Commission 26/03/2020
Response from the Gambling Commission regarding non-remote fees 06/04/2020
It is with great sadness to announce that one of our longest serving members Terry (Dubber) Dolan has passed away on Tuesday 23rd June 2020 aged 89. Terry passed away peacefully with his Son Paul and loved ones by his side.
Funeral to be held on 8th July, unfortunately due to the covid restrictions, a private service will be held and a celebration of life will be arranged at a later date.
Should anyone wish to give a donation to Marie Curie, this can be done through this link:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Paul-Dolan9
Sending prayers and blessings for Terry and his family at this sad time, may you rest in peace.
terryd
23/06/2020
Congratulations to Leslie R Steele on his telegram from the Queen from the Directors and members of the BRBA.
Throughout the 80's and 90's Leslie was the focal point of the Northern betting ring where he would handle money from punters and firms alike and as those who worked with him can testify there was never a dull day and always fun too, win or lose Leslie was always a Gent.
An amazing life and still going strong!
leslie r
18/06/2020
You could claim up to £10,000
Discretionary business grants could be claimed for Bookmakers via your local council.
Use the link above and search for more details via your own local council's website.
16/06/2020
Online education module Covid-19 information for industry participants
08/06/2020
hblb logo
We have been asked by the HBLB to inform members that the C.O.D certificates are available by e mail should you require one.
Please contact the HBLB directly.
08/06/2020
June 2020 Newsletter
With some good news for subscribers.
01/06/2020
Regulatory returns temporary extension to submission dates.
All Bookmakers are reminded to submit their Annual Regulatory Returns at their earliest opportunity.
We try and update the Covid-19 notice daily for the benefit of ALL in our industry.
Any Bookmaker BRBA member or not that has information to share please contact the office.
brbashieldlogoblack
COVID-19 updates for all Bookmakers
ascot logo
Urgent notices from Ascot
May racedays & Royal Ascot
ascot logo
Royal Ascot 2020
Due to the ongoing suspension of racing, the advance booking service for Royal Ascot due to open on 6th April will be postponed until further clarity on resumption is available.
The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)
Income Support Scheme for Self-Employed
Government Job Retention Scheme Update
Job Retention Scheme
25/03/2020
We have written to both the Gambling Commission and AGT to review their fees given the current crisis.
26/03/2020
The Board has agreed that until Racing is resumed the annual 20/21 subscription fees should not be paid.
Stay safe
23/03/2020
This may help some Bookmakers during this time.
Those of you that are classed as "Self-employed" can follow this link to the Universal Credit website and follow their instructions if apply to you.
Some of you maybe classed as a "Small Business" and updates can be followed from the Government webite.
20/03/2020
Grand National Tickets Refund
For all those that bought their tickets via the BRBA.
I have been in touch with the Jockey Club, they have confirmed our refund will be made and could take a couple of weeks. Once this process has been done refunds will be issued ASAP.
18/03/2020
Ronald Hall Senior passed away last night after a short illness.
Ron Hall Senior was on course for over 60 years a charactor who regualarly backed and stood by his opinions part of the old school. He will be sorely missed by his sons Ronald of Hallsports and Martin.
RIP Ronald.
25/03/2020
Badsworth & Bramham P2P
Unfortunately this meeting ABANDONED. (Updated 9:20am on Monday 16th March 2020).
16/03/2020
gc-logo-greybrbashieldlogoblack
Message from the Gambling Commission
We are consulting on changes to our regulatory data reporting requirements.
Our proposals seek to make data requirements more efficient for licensees, and for us, by only requesting data that supports our regulatory aims. These changes seek to:
improve data quality and the efficiency of regulation
reflect our continued focus on consumers and social responsibility
ensure requirements are reconciled against our current and future data needs
streamline our existing requirements and, where possible, reduce regulatory burden
The consultation is split into two parts. Part 1 details changes to information reporting requirements within the LCCP, and Part 2 focuses on regulatory returns and official statistics.
https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news-action-and-statistics/Consultations/information-requirements-in-the-licence-conditions-and-codes-of-practice-lccp-and-regulatory-returns
Could you please make your members aware of this consultation and encourage them to offer their views via the link above.
10/03/2020
Kenny Gill unfortunately passed away on Monday 2nd March, he was a well respected worker for Billy Day, Matt, BK Racing and many other northern bookmakers. Our sympathies are extended to his family.
09/03/2020
Flint and Denbigh
Following an inspection on the 3rd March, due to the track being unraceable the decision has been made to postpone the Flint
and Denbigh Point to Point, from Sunday 8th to Sunday 15th March subject to all the necessary officials being arranged.
(Updated 2:45 pm 3rd March).
05/03/2020
brbashieldlogoblack
TRP Data
Bookmakers who have elected to have their TRP data monies paid to them by the BRBA will now have received their payment
without deduction.
04/02/2020
brbashieldlogoblack
The agenda can be found in the members area for the board meeting being held on 13/02/2020.
29/10/2019
brbashieldlogoblack
The draft minutes from the 95th AGM are available in the Report & Accounts tab on the website.
The winners of the draw for last years Rewards points is in item 4.
For 2020 there will be separate raffles for Cheltenham and Aintree.
23/01/2020
jockclublogo
Message for all Cheltenham Bookmakers
As per the meeting notes from the Bookmakers' Liaison Committee Meeting held on 2 October 2019 displayed on the AGT website, this is a brief reminder that there will no longer be a Badge Box in operation during any future race meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse.
In line with the practice that has been in operation for several years at The Festival, bookmakers badge purchase - Daily Betting Badges, Annual Marketing Fee payments, AGT Daily Fee payments are now available only online, along with admission tickets - for all Cheltenham race meetings. Those bookmakers on The Festival List will be aware that badges are available in advance, now up until 10.00 on the morning of racing.
Should a bookmaker decide not to attend the race meeting prior to pitching in, having bought badges online, a full refund for unused badges / tickets will be provided upon request from
For full instructions please follow this link.
I look forward to welcoming on-course bookmakers to Cheltenham in 2020 and beyond, and take this opportunity to wish you and your staff a happy and prosperous New Year.
David Mackinnon
Heads of Operations
16/01/2020
york racecourse-logo-dark-teal-landscape-002
Following last seasons successful trial in the York Clocktower Enclosure of matching the number of picks available to the number of badges purchased from the badge box at pitching in time this will be continued in 2020 when there are less than 30 badges bought on any day.
The policies of no refunds will be continued along with late arrivals betting in the three pitches at the bottom of the steps.
02/12/2019
Urgent Notice to ALL Racecourse Bookmakers.
Due to a number of Bookmakers failing a recent age verification test, the Gambling Commission's Enforcement Department has written to those failing.
Our own testing results are still disappointing and we must improve and if you have any doubts about a customer appearing to be under 21, you need to challenge them to prove that they are at least 18.
29/07/2019
All On course Bookmakers should be aware that as a result of a warning by the Gambling Commission the BRBA have engaged Serve Legal to perform AV tests on ALL Northern Racecourses. Regrettably the pass rates for ALL those tested are still below expectation and we must warn ALL Bookmakers to be more vigilant. Obviously we are writing to BRBA Members to give them their results.
22/07/2019
serve legal logoFollowing the robust warning from the Gambling Commission on the poor pass rates with AV testing in our sector we have engaged Serve Legal to do random tests in the North and the first results throughout June are very disappointing and we will be writing inform members of their results.
Would ALL involved please continue to be vigilant as your licence is at risk.
THINK 21!
03/07/2019
gc-logo-greybrbashieldlogoblackserve legal logo
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR ALL RACECOURSE BOOKMAKERS
Follow link
03/06/2019
rca logo1
Message from RCA
Special Conditions E
24/04/2019
AGT, the BRBA and the FRB have just been informed that the Gambling Commission will be taking a more robust approach on Bookmakers failing AV tests and we will write to you shortly.
Please ensure that you display the signage issued by the BRBA & FRB at all times and make your staff aware of your challenge 21 policy.
23/04/2019
gc-logo-grey
"We have today (Thursday) published the following on our website:
Consultation on Licence conditions and codes of practice (LCCP) relating to customer interaction
Consultation on Licence conditions and codes of practice (LCCP) relating to additional ADR standards
A call for evidence on gambling website blocking software.
Full details are available on the Consultations page of our website."
14/02/2019
Rule 4 information for Bookmakers Tattersalls rule 4
(Racing Post Link)
28/01/2019
Urgent Notice Regarding Data Payments
On behalf of our members who attended the Seminar at Dewsbury and were advised not to sign the TTV agreement we instructed the BRBA's Solicitors to establish what payment will be made for the period to 31.03.2018 by the FRB to match the 21 per day paid by the BRBA. The FRB's Solicitors reply is attached which unfortunately is self explanatory. All updates will be posted on this website.
Letter to FRB
Reply from FRB
Updated 07/08/2018
Bookmakers attendance at race meetings guidance & advice
Following a meeting of the racing industry Covid-19 Group, and in accordance with Government guidelines regarding Tiering,
the following rules affect bookmaker attendances at racecourses as from 1 January 2021:
TIER 4 Areas
•Fixtures are able to take place but only behind closed doors.
•Owners are NOT permitted to attend.
•Spectators are NOT permitted to attend (this includes members).
•Bookmakers are NOT permitted to attend.
TIER 3
•Fixtures are able to take place behind closed doors with limited owners permitted to attend. However, owners who reside in
Tier 4 areas are NOT permitted to attend race meetings taking place at racecourses located in Tier 3 areas.
• No spectators are permitted to attend (this includes members).
•As bookmakers can travel to work, on the basis they cannot work from home, some bookmakers are permitted to attend race
meetings taking place at racecourses located in a Tier 3 area. HOWEVER BOOKMAKERS WHO RESIDE IN A TIER 4 AREA ARE NOT
ALLOWED TO TRAVEL TO WORK AT A RACE MEETING TAKING PLACE IN A TIER 3 AREA.
•Those bookmakers who attend race meetings in Tier 3 areas will operate from a pitch in the racecourse amber zone and must
observe the amber zone protocols at all times.
Note that the above rules may be subject to change as the Government continues to review its Covid-19 strategy. Bookmakers are advised to keep up-to-date with the restrictions and protocols which affect their businesses.
BRBA Board
02/01/2021
The Directors are holding a meeting at 10:30 on Friday 31st July.
The agenda will appear in the members only section this week.
General Betting Duty paper returns.
We have been informed that some members have been informed by HMRC that their returns had not been received and we understand that this was a mistake by them and to contact them directly before paying the fine.
The office will be closed on Friday 13th March
12/03/2020
Additional Fixtures
Friday 21 February - Newcastle
Sunday 23 February - Wolverhampton
18/02/2020
Sinnington P2P postponed
Unfortunately due to the weather forecast the Sinnington meeting at Duncombe
Park (Sunday Feb 16) has been postponed.
Rescheduled for Saturday 22nd February.
15/02/2020
Royal Ascot Liason Meeting
Nick Daisley and Steve Price will be attending the annual meeting on Tuesday 18th February regarding the Royal meeting, if anyone wants them to bring anything up please contact the office.
11/02/2020
BROCKLESBY POINT TO POINT� RACES
SATURDAY 15th FEBRUARY 2020
BROCKLESBY PARK�
(Just off A18 near Humberside Airport)�
FIRST RACE 12 NOON
7 RACE CARD�
TICKETS ONLINE at��www.midlandspointing.com��
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT �10 ONLINE BEFORE� 31st� JAN�
�15 / person ON GATE CAR PASS ON THE GATE ( MAX 5 PEOPLE) �50�
( UNDER 16�S FREE )�
02/01/2020
Paul Dolan will be attending the Aintree BLC on 4th February 2020 and should any Bookmaker (including non BRBA Members) wish to raise any matters please email the office.
10/01/2020
TRP Data
Bookmakers who have elected to have their TRP data monies paid to them by the BRBA will now have received their payment without deduction.
08/11/2019
Message from Wetherby
Two mid-week festivals at Wetherby during the forthcoming season, at which the multiplier will be 6-times the price of entry, as per Friday nights, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
The two dates are:
Friday 1st November
Friday 27th December
10/10/2019
There will be an additional fixture at Plumpton on Monday 20th January.
17/01/2020
Grand National Tickets 2020
Subject to� availability, these will be available to all Bookmakers untill 31.01.2020
There are no delivery charges this year unless specifically requested as the tickets will be available from the office or via the Directors at the course at,or after the Cheltenham Festival.
If you require the tickets posting please add �2 for signed for first class �(maximum compensation �50)
Or �8 special delivery (maximum compensation �500).
�
The rewards for Racing points will once again be raffled off to participating purchasers with a separate raffle for the Cheltenham tickets.
10/01/2020
Grand National Festival 2020 prices via BRBA/ESBA
@ �22.50 per person (Thursday) This only applies if we get 50+
@ �40 per person (Friday) This only applies if we get 30+
There are no discounts for the Saturday.
�
Steeple Chase Car Parking
Thursday @ �22 per car
Friday @ �25 per car
Saturday @ �30 per car
�
09/10/2019
The office will be closed on Tuesday 14th January.
03/01/2020
The agenda can be found in the members area for the board meeting being held on 31/10/2019.
29/10/2019
AGT REGISTRATION
When sending in the certificate of discharge form for the 58th Levy period members may wish to blank out the figure in Profits on Leviable Bets as this is for the HBLB�s use only.
18/11/2019
Assistance from the Gambling Commission in obtaining �your licence for AGT registration 2020.
Operators need to log on to their account via e-services � a link is provided in the document and it takes operators directly to the e-services login page.� Once an email address and password are correctly entered it will take operators to their Home screen as shown.� To generate a copy of their licence they just click the �Generate licence� option.� They can then save a copy of their licence which they can email across to the AGT.�(Click here)
18/11/2019
Christmas News
Bookmakers who have their TRP Data negotiated by the BRBA will have had their contract renewal. This retains the �150 bonus on the third attendance on any TRP course which for most Bookmakers is better than a marginally higher daily rate. We recommend that you sign it.
Members will now also have received their calendars or diaries from the Association and we will be giving you a news update early in the new year.
The office will be closed from Monday 23rd December through to Thursday 2nd January.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
19/12/2019
Sadly, we have just been informed of the death of Ian Randall father of Jack and Sarah.�
The funeral will take place on Monday 23rd December at 10.30 at The East Riding Crematorium Octon.
R.I.P. Ian
10/12/2019
Additional AWT fixtures at Chelmsford City on Wednesday 11 December and Wolverhampton on Thursday 12 December
09/12/2019
Border P2P 1st December 2019
After 15mm of rain in the last 24 hours the going on the racecourse has turned Heavy, Heavy/waterlogged in places - race organisers have made the sad decision to cancel the meeting (updated 11.30 am Thursday 28th November)
Additional AWT fixture at Lingfield Park on Saturday 30 November
Cheltenham Festival 2020 Ticket prices (Group rate 15+) via the BRBA/ESBA
Tattersalls Enclosure
@ �40 per person (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday) (normal group rate �46pp or without group rate �48pp)
@ �55 per person (Friday) (normal group rate �66pp or without group rate �68pp)
Best Mate Enclosure
@ �25 per person (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday) (normal group rate �31pp or without group rate �33pp)
@ �40 per person (Friday) (normal group rate �51pp or without group rate �53pp)
These rates are only available until 29th November 2019.
The above date has changed from the 4th December.
Updated 21/11/2019
2018/2019 The Point to Point calendar is now up, please remember some of these dates can be rearranged and as soon as we get the new date they will be posted in the "Point to Point Lists" section.
05/10/2018
AGT REGISTRATION
When sending in the certificate of discharge form for the 57th Levy period members may wish to blank out the figure in Profits on Leviable Bets as this is for the HBLB�s use only.
27/11/2018
Assistance from the Gambling Commission in obtaining �your licence for AGT registration 2019.
Operators need to log on to their account via e-services � a link is provided in the document and it takes operators directly to the e-services login page.� Once an email address and password are correctly entered it will take operators to their Home screen as shown.� To generate a copy of their licence they just click the �Generate licence� option.� They can then save a copy of their licence which they can email across to the AGT. (Click here)
16/11/2018
NOTICE TO MEMBERS
Your 2019-2020 Subscription renewals are being sent out next week along with a letter from the Gambling Commission for your consideration.
27/02/2019
The Annual draw for the Rewards4Racing points for those members who bought their discounted Grand National Tickets through the Association will take place at this year�s AGM.
Please see the attached letter from Macmillan about the donation made from last year�s draw.
08/04/2019
The Agenda for the Directors Board Meeting to be held on Monday 10th June 2019 can be found in the Members only area of the website.
03/06/2019
P2P North West Area marketing information
NW Area marketing
This information has also all been sent out via post today to all P2P members.
27/08/2019
York Liaison Meeting
Will be held on Tuesday 26th November. Please contact the office for any points that you would like to be discussed.
Northern Area P2P Sales
The position changes can now be viewed in - PTP Bookmakers Betting List Exchange System
24/10/2019
BRBA supports Responsible Gambling Week 2019
The BRBA is proud to support Responsible Gambling Week, an industry-wide campaign to trigger a national conversation about what it means to gamble responsibly.
Responsible Gambling Week 2019, which takes place from November 7th � November 13th under the hashtag #RGWeek19, is the public face of the industry�s year-round commitment to promote safer gambling, with more than 120,000 staff at thousands of gambling venues and online sites taking part.
The campaign is led by the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling, comprised of all the gambling trade associations, and in Ireland by the Irish Bookmakers Association. The objective is to trigger a national conversation about safer gambling, highlighting the tools, advice and help available to customers, and the initiatives being taken by operators to promote social responsibility throughout the year.
The campaign has also attracted the support of the Racecourse Association and the British Horseracing Authority, who will support Responsible Gambling Week 2019, on their website and across their social channels.
The BRBA is joining with other industry groups in helping to promote the five key responsible gambling behaviours:
��������� Only spend what you can afford
��������� Set your limits for time and money
��������� Gambling is not the answer to any problem
��������� Gambling when angry or upset is not a good idea
��������� Gambling shouldn�t interfere with your personal relationship�
More details may be found on a new website www.responsiblegamblingUK.org, which will act as an information hub, providing a comprehensive one-stop service for consumers all year round, educating them about all aspects of responsible gambling.
01/11/2019
The Office phone will be down today but can still be contacted via email.
01/10/2019
TRP Data
Bookmakers who have elected to have their TRP data monies paid to them by the BRBA will now have received their payment without deduction.
12/08/2019
Point to Point
The PTP exchange system has been updated for the 2019/2020 season.
24/05/2019York Music Days
York have agreed the betting badge will be 6x admission for these events.
20/05/2019
TRP Data Payments
All payments have been made today for those that signed up with the BRBA.
17/05/2019
On the 3rd July at Thirsk Races, 6th Regiment Royal Logistics Corps will be utilising the infield, where they are setting-up �camp� and are expecting to entertain circa 350 of their soldiers for racing.
Thirsk therefore proposes to open 3 pitches, allocated by the contract to traders who are independent of each other, and replenishment will take place in both areas.
10/05/2019
Message from Ripon
Annual Betting Badge Fee 2019
11/04/2019
Message from Wetherby
Wetherby, Flat Racing
10/04/2019
Message from Thirsk Racecourse
25/03/2019
TRP Data
All payments have been made today and should start showing in your accounts shortly.
08/02/2019
Message for Cheltenham Bookmakers Saturday 15 December
I would like to thank all of the the hardy bookmakers and their staff who demonstrated great tenacity and perseverance by braving the wet & stormy weather last Saturday to provide a betting service to those racegoers that did venture outside for the value!
Merry Christmas and I look forward to welcoming you back on New Years Day with fingers crossed for much kinder weather.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
David Mackinnon
Head of Operations
18/12/2018
THIRSK LADIES DAY SATURDAY 7th SEPTEMBER 2019
�
There will be once again a hospitality tent in the centre of the course with between 150 & 200 guests and there will be 2 bookmakers positions available on the 1:1 allocation with replenishment.
The fee will be based on 6 times the members badge fee of �30 so the badge fee for the day is �180 + AGT�daily fee + �30 for each worker.
30/08/2019
Link for all race goers is the charity race on Friday 30th August at Thirsk - 13:30
29/08/2019
The office will be closed on Friday 30th August and will reopen on Monday 9th September.
28/08/2019
The family of Colin Webster, the former rails bookmaker who peacefully passed away after a short illness on August the 14th 2019 in Harrogate, would like to extend a warm welcome to anybody who knew him to a service to celebrate his life.
This will take place on Thursday 29th August 2019 at 1.40pm.
It will be held at:
Stonefall crematorium
Wetherby Road
Harrogate
HG3 1DE
Opposite the show ground.
Followed by afternoon tea at the Country Living Hotel St George 1 Ripon Road Harrogate HG 1 2SY.
Big Col loved a scone with clotted cream and jam.
Family flowers only donations to Alzheimer�s Research UK.
19/08/2019
Scouting For Girls Thirsk Racecourse 16th August 2019
�
Revised pitching in times for the above evening are;
90 minutes Tatts, Rails & Woolpack.
1 hour Family enclosure.
31/07/2019
The office will be closed Thursday 8th & Friday 9th.
07/08/2019
Southwell's 25th July fixture to begin at 11.25am due to forecast temperatures
24/07/2019
18th & 25th July fixtures at Worcester abandoned - new fixtures at Ffos Las on 18th July and Southwell on 25th July
15/07/2019
We are deeply saddened to inform you all of the passing of Stephen Conway on 9th July.
'Steve' was very well �known on the racecourse as Bookmaker, Tic-Tac and latterly workman.
The funeral will take place on Monday July 22nd at Doncaster Crematorium at 10.00am.
Doncaster Crematorium,
Ascot Avenue,
Cantley,
DN4 6HE.
RIP Steve.
10/07/2019
It is with great sadness to announce that we have been informed of the death of the standing member of the Point to Point Committee up until his retirement of Tony Charlesworth.
R.I.P. Tony.
Service at All Saints Church, Hunmanby on Tuesday 16th July at 2pm, followed by burial.
Updated 01/07/2019
New fixture at Ffos Las on Wednesday 26 June following abandonment of Worcester
24/06/2019
The office will be closed Tuesday 18th June until Monday 24th June.
12/06/2019
Peter Collins Funeral Arrangements
We have recently heard Peter Collins a long-standing member of the East of Scotland association had passed over the weekend and we send our thoughts to his family and friends at this time.
His funeral will be held at:
Mortonhall Crematorium
30B Howden Hall Road,
Edinburgh
EH16 6TX
On Saturday 1st June at 11am.
24/05/2019
Important Message for Epsom Downs Derby List Bookmakers
Information about buying betting badges
21/05/2019
The office will be closed on Friday 31st May.
30/05/2019
Music Live Bookmaker Package
The package entitles bookmakers with 20% discount off the on the gate price at the following meetings. The package must be bought in advance online or at the racecourse main reception no later than Friday 17th May.
18th May - Jess Glynne,
29th June - Rita Ora,
20th July - Madness,
18th August - James.
To order your package:
1. Click Here
2. Enter BOOKMAKER into the Voucher Code box at the bottom of the page. Click Apply Code.
3. The bookmaker package will appear at the top of the page. Select and purchase.
Please bring your booking confirmation with you to each event. This should be presented at the bookmaker turnstile at pitching up.
The Champagne Lawn supplement is not included in the package and will continue to be paid on the day of each event.
15/05/2019
Chris Hudson and Steve Price will be attending the Market Rasen BLC on the 20th May and should any members wish to raise any matters please email the office.
30/04/2019
Additional fixture at Ffos Las on the 14th May to replace Wincanton.
13/05/2019
Monday 29th April & Tuesday 30th April fixtures originally scheduled for Ayr have now been transferred to Newcastle.
24/04/2019
Nick Daisley and Steve Price will be attending the Ascot BLC on the 25th April and should any members wish to raise any matters please email the office.
17/04/2019
P2P Notice
Opting in/out will still take place as usual this Friday by 12PM.
16/04/2019
Message from Pontefract Racecourse
"We will be offering the annual bookmakers betting badge again this year, it will be at the same discount as last year i.e. 85% of the aggregate Daily Betting Badge Fee for each scheduled raceday.
This calculates at �1242.70 for Rails and Tatts (upper and lower pitches) and �438.60 for Picnic which is payable in advance of the first Race Meeting.
The Marketing Fee and Betting Administration Fee are payable in addiction to the Annual Fee.
I hope this is ok, if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kind regards
Pontefract Racecourse"
08/04/2019
Dave Peckham will be attending the Epsom BLC on 11th April and should any members wish to raise any matters please email the office.
02/04/2019
The office will be closed on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th April 2019.
01/04/2019
Message for Aintree and Cheltenham Bookmakers - Online Betting Badge Purchase
For all online badge purchases at Aintree & Cheltenham please use the links below to arrive at the correct site.� As usual use the JCRAGT code and purchase required daily betting badges in the normal manner. Please note for the time being admission badges continue to need to be purchased in a separate transaction.
Aintree
�
Bookmaker Steeplechase Day Badges Grand National Day 2019
�
Bookmaker Tattersalls Day Badges Grand National Day 2019
Please note that public admission tickets for Grand National Day Festival Zone (Tatts) is sold out. However, bookmakers may still buy badges for themselves and their staff by clicking on the link below and entering the JCRAGT code in the promotion box.
Entrance Badges Grand National 2019
�
Cheltenham
�
Bookmakers Best Mate Day Badges for the Festival 2019
Bookmakers Tattersalls Day Badges for The Festival 2019
Updated 18/03/2019
Grand National Tickets 2019
There are no delivery charges this year unless specifically requested as the tickets will be available from the office or via the Directors at the course at,or after the Cheltenham Festival.
If you require the tickets posting please add �2 for signed for first class �(maximum compensation �50)
Or �6.50 special delivery (maximum compensation �500).
17/12/2018
The Agenda for the Directors Board Meeting to be held on Monday 25th March 2019 can be found in the Members only area of the website.
18/03/2019
Six additional fixtures confirmed between 20-28�February
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today announced that six additional fixtures will take place between 20-28 February following the loss of six days of racing due to equine influenza. The fixtures are as follows, with two Flat floodlit fixtures followed by four Jump fixtures:
Chelmsford City - Wednesday 20 February
Wolverhampton - Thursday 21 February
Catterick - Friday 22 February
Uttoxeter - Monday 25 February
Ffos Las - Tuesday 26 February
Musselburgh - Thursday 28 February
15/02/2019
Southwell's 18,22,28 February & 5 March fixtures moved The British Horseracing Authority has today confirmed that four of Southwell's upcoming fixtures have been moved as follows:
18 February - moved to Newcastle
22 February -� moved to Chelmsford City
28 February - moved to Kempton Park
5 March - moved to Wolverhampton
This is because the original fixtures were due to be floodlit and there has been a delay in installing floodlights at Southwell.
21/01/2019
Racing Returns on Wednesday!
Racing Post
Point to Points confirmed to be on
Point to Point News
Updated 13/02/2019
Brocklesby Point to Point
"After an anxious few days we have the good news that the BHA last night announced that racing can resume so the point to point is on. We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday.
We have an excellent entry of quality horses � for full preview. www.midlandspointing.com"
12/02/2019
Notice from Brocklesby Point to Point
As with everyone else in the racing world we are waiting for the BHA announcement about the resumption of racing on Monday, all arrangements are in place to run the Brocklesby Point to Point on 16th Feb and we will be racing if we can.
08/02/2019
Brocklesby Point� on Saturday 16th February
"Plans are well in hand for Brocklesby Point to Point meeting on 16th Feb. The course has been well prepared and preliminary course inspection last week gave the going as good � next going update 6th Feb. There is an excellent grass cover on the course and hopefully we should attract a good entry as there are no other meetings scheduled for Sat 16th Feb . Also we are aware that there are a number of horses still to make their first appearance this season hoping for softer ground. Some rain and warmer weather is forecast this week. The committee has been working hard promoting the meeting locally �through fliers and road side signs and lots of posts on Facebook, and more tickets have been given out to sponsors and local farmers etc , so we are expecting a good crowd. Making lots of effort to provide heated bar and joint promotion of an after race party at the local pub the New Inn. Can�t control the weather, but we have done everything we can to make it a good days racing to attract a good crowd."
Picture below taken from last years meeting.
brocklesby 17feb18-025
05/02/2019
The Aintree/Grand National Bookmakers Liaison Committee meeting will be held on Monday 4th February.
If any bookmaker wants anything raised please email the office.
24/01/2019
gc-logo-grey
Members are reminded to submit their Annual Regulatory Returns via the eServices on the Gambling Commission Website.
For those Members with a period ending 31st December 2018, their return must be submitted no later than 11th February.
22/01/2019
Peter Harrison
It is with great sadness to announce the death of long-standing member Peter Harrison, who traded as George Howe for over 50 years. Our deepest sympathies go to David and his family.
The funeral will be at Lawnswood Cemetery, Otley Road, Leeds, LS16 6AH on Tuesday 5th February at 3pm.
R.I.P. Peter
21/01/2019
The Agenda for the Directors Board Meeting to be held on Sunday 20th January 2019 can be found in the Members only area of the website.
11/01/2019
Meeting Transfers
The first two meetings that were scheduled to take place under floodlights at Southwell have been transferred to allow more time for the supply and installation of power cables.
Tuesday 29th January Southwell has been transferred to Wolverhampton
Tuesday 5th February Southwell has been transferred to Newcastle
04/01/2019
Meeting transfer
Towcester fixture on the 31st January has been moved to Fakenham.
18/12/2018
The office will be closed on Monday 4th February.
01/02/2019
Percy P2P is called off
�
"Due to the present weather and the forecast we are not going to be able to run this Sunday.
�
We are currently looking at alternative dates."
01/02/2019
We have just been informed that there will be an additional fixture at Wolverhampton Friday 1st February.30/01/2019
The office is closed until the 21st January.
Anything urgent please try contacting one of the Directors for help, if it can wait email the office directly or via the "Contact Us" page on the left.
11/01/2019
The Agenda for the Directors Board Meeting to be held on Monday 15th October can be found in the Members only area of the website.
08/10/2018
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
18/12/2018, Updated 28/12/2018
Grand National 2019 Ticket Information - (Click Here) Closing date 21st December 2018.
29/10/2018
The office will be closed after today until Thursday 27th December at 9:00 - 14:00.
Hope you all have a good Christmas and New Year!
Leigh
21/12/2018
Fixture change - Towcester�s scheduled fixture has been moved to Hexham on the 20th December.
21/11/2018
TRP data payments have been made today and should start showing in accounts shortly.
09/11/2018
We are pleased to announce that after his operation Eddie Webster long standing member of the Tom Webster firm is recovering well at home.
05/11/2018
Additional floodlit fixtures agreed by BHA, Racecourses and Horsemen due to high elimination ratesThe British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has today announced that an additional floodlit fixture will be staged each week for the next eight weeks having been agreed by British Racing's tripartite structure of BHA, Racecourses and Horsemen.�
This is to provide additional opportunities for the high number of horses that have been eliminated from races in recent weeks as well as large numbers of horses that are looking for opportunities as the Flat season draws to a close.�Since the beginning of September, there have been over 1,500 eliminations from Flat races.
The first of the eight fixtures will be on Thursday 18 October at Wolverhampton and then as follows:
Wednesday 24 October - Chelmsford City�
Thursday 1 November - Newcastle
Wednesday 7 November - Chelmsford City
Thursday 15 November - Kempton Park�
Wednesday 21 November - Wolverhampton�
Thursday 29 November - Kempton Park
Wednesday 5 December - Newcastle
15/10/2018
It is with great sadness I would like to inform you of the passing of my Grandfather Arthur Turner, who died at home on Tuesday age 93.
Arthur started bookmaking in the 1960�s trading as �Arthur Turner Bookmakers Ltd�, he was a prominent figure and a colourful character on all the Northern Racecourses for over 4 decades, and a valued member of the NBPA. He was joined by his eldest son Russell in the early 1970�s and then by his eldest Grandson Steven in the early 1990�s. Arthur retired from the racecourse in 2001.
Arthur Turner Funeral Details
Thursday 29th November 12.30pm
St Andrews Church, Hesleden Road, Blackhall Colliery, Hartlepool, TS27 4LG.
R.I.P Arthur.
23/11/2018
Additional Jump fixture at Hereford on Monday 19 November.
14/11/2018
Gambling Commission Compliance Workshop
The Date for the second course has now been arranged for 16th October at Redcar Racecourse commencing at 11.00 am.
The BRBA will pay the fees but members will be asked to pay a booking fee of �20 towards the room hire and catering costs.
Places will be limited and those wishing to attend please confirm with the office.
A certificate of attendance will be provided.
Please follow the link below for the agenda which will be much along the lines as the one held at Dewsbury.
Agenda
21/08/2018
John Willis ( John Burrows)
Good News !! Following a successful hip operation after his fall at York on Saturday John is recovering well in York District Hospital.
12/09/2018
The Towcester fixture scheduled for the 10th October has been transferred to Southwell.
11/09/2018
Cheltenham Bookmaker/Racecourse Liaison meeting on Mon 8th October. If anybody has specific issues they would like raising please email the office or call Nick Daisley directly.
03/10/2018
Chepstow on the 13th September has been transferred to Ffos Las and Chepstow on the 18th September has been transferred to Lingfield.
05/09/2018
THIRSK LADIES DAY SATURDAY 8th SEPTEMBER 2018
�
There will be once again a hospitality tent in the centre of the course with 250 guests and there will be 2 bookmakers positions available on the 1:1 allocation with replenishment.
The fee will be based on the members badge fee of �29 so the badge fee for the day is �174 +AGT�daily fee +�29 for each worker.
03/09/2018
NOTICE FROM ARENA RACING
�
The fixture on 22nd August scheduled for Bath has been transferred to Brighton.
14/08/2018
The agenda for the Board Meeting for 11th June can be found in the Members area.
04/06/2018
NOTICE FROM ARENA RACING
�
The fixture on 22nd August scheduled for Bath has been transferred to Brighton.
14/08/2018
DATA PAYMENTS
The Association is pleased to give the following update.
1. TRP �period �01.04.2018> >30.06.2018
��We have submitted Bookmakers payments and they are being processed for payment for early next week.
2. RMG period 01.04.2018> 30.06.2018
We understand that payment along with supporting documentation will be issued and made this week. Those Bookmakers who followed the associations advice and signed within the requested time period will also receive the bonus. We cannot speak for those that didn�t follow our guidelines.
3. Turf TV 2017-2018
�
These�have been made in full by the BRBA and for those that did not elect to receive payments via the BRBA, we have instructed our Solicitors to establish if a payment is to be made from the FRB for this period.
All updates will be posted as and when they occur.
02/08/2018
The Gambling Commission have requested that we share their �Important lessons for the betting industry on Rule 4 application�. Whilst this case centred on an operator in the online sector, the Commission confirmed that Rule 4 complaints have been made to them previously in relation to the alleged conduct of on-course bookmakers. By way of example, you may recall the media coverage surrounding the non-participation of Cockney Wren at Cheltenham on 1 Jan 2017. The Commission concluded that anything that is, or could be perceived as, unfair risks damaging the reputation of the industry as a whole and therefore they expect all betting operators to ensure that they treat customers fairly in relation to R4 application.
16/07/2018
New! YORKSHIRE AREA P2P BETTING LIST EXCHANGE SYSTEM FOR 2018/2019 SEASON
Position changes are now up!
Updated 23/07/2018
At the request of members, we have contacted the FRB as to why the Data payments for 2017 were not paid at the end of May 2018, over a year in arrears which would have been consistent with previous years. We have been told that the payment process should be completed soon but declined to give any level of daily payment.
18/06/2018
Gambling Commission Compliance Workshops update.
Please follow this link for the latest update.
18/06/2018
TurfTV Data
All members who followed the boards advice and signed the TTV data contract will this week receive their final data payments from AMRAC at the agreed rates of over �21/�7 per day for the year ended 31st March 2018, with the year ended 31/03/2017. Paid in full last year.
30/04/2018
Rewards4Racing points Draw
All those people that purchased Grand National tickets via the office were added into a draw for the points and 3 random people have been picked out of a hat who will receive an equal share of �48 off their next order of tickets through us.
G Billington,
A Geraghty,
and our third person has kindly asked us to donate his share to Macmillan Nurses.
The draw was based on the number of tickets bought by each person giving them 1 entry per ticket ordered (not including car park badges).
17/04/2018
Compliance workshops � a thank you from the Commission
Over the past year or so the Commission has been pleased to support 4 compliance workshops for on-course bookmakers.� They have been held in London, Birmingham, Dewsbury and Scotland.� They have represented a fantastic opportunity for us to meet around 200 operators and reps.� The level of attendance by the sector has been fantastic and reflects positively on your desire to get things right.� I would also like to acknowledge the huge efforts made by those responsible for arranging the days � without you we couldn�t have made the events the success they were.
Preventing underage betting remains the no.1 priority for the sector.� We therefore wanted to share the Best Practice tips provided by Serve Legal who undertake the Think 21 testing on the racecourses.� Hopefully it will help you and your teams to continue to improve performance in this area.
We hope to run further events in the future so if you couldn�t make it this time then please try to attend next time.� For those that did attend, if you have any feedback on how the events could be made better please contact me at
Serve Legal Age Verification Tips
wetherby logo
Important Notice from Wetherby Racecourse
09/04/2018
DATA
1. Following the concerns raised by members on the forum, we have been assured by RMG that all Bookmakers who have signed before the 31st March Deadline� will have a signed contract returned from them W/C 2nd April 2018.
�
2. All Bookmakers who signed the TTV contract will have received payment for the period 28.02.2018 today on the previous basis of �21 & �7 per day, with the March payment to follow shortly.
�
3. The TRP payments for the period to 31.03.2018 which will include the �150 for all those who have achieved 3 days will be processed this month.
04/04/2018
Important message
Members are advised to read the March 2018 update from the GC
31/03/2018
Important message
Members are strongly advised to read this notice from the Gambling Commission.
We will update you with more details when they are available.�
26/03/2018
Members will have received yet another communication from the FRB.
For the avoidance of doubt for those Bookmakers who followed this Associations�advice you need to do nothing as your payments as long as you provide your�data, are guaranteed for the full 5 year term.
02/03/2018
Till Roll Price Change
The BRBA has been supplying its members with high quality till tolls delivered to their chosen address, for their convenience for over seven years at the same price, as any price increase has been absorbed by the Association.
Regrettably the factors listed on the attached document has forced us to increase the price to �115 for 4 boxes delivered or �30 per box on individual basis.�
We will of course use all reasonable endeavours such as bulk buying to mitigate any future price increases.�
Members still have the benefit of the cheapest product on the market which has the begambleaware logo on the back.
Letter 1 / Letter 2
20/02/2018
Some members will have received a letter from the FRB regarding member's data payments. The FRB ask that members allow their data payments to go to the FRB who would then return the payment to you as a dividend. We strongly advise that you do NOT allow the FRB to collect and administer your data payments.
As regards the Gambling Commission we would like to make the following clear:
Our work with the Gambling Commission is on going and all matters regarding this area are being addressed. We will update you as we have done before in our Spring Newsletter.
09/02/2018
MEMBERS WILL NOW HAVE RECEIVED ANOTHER LETTER FROM THE FRB.
THE ASSOCIATIONS ADVICE IS UNCHANGED PLEASE SEE THE NOTICE AND LETTER ON 30th OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
04/01/2018
Members are reminded to submit their Gambling Commission Regulatory Returns which can be found on the E Services page of their website.
Members are also reminded that if they are trading at an unlicensed track (for example, at PTP or harness racing) the venue must ensure they do hold an appropriate Occasional Use Notice.� The Gambling Commission have written to the PTP and harness racing communities reminding them of this requirement but they also advise that they would expect licensed bookmakers to undertake appropriate due diligence in this regard too.� In short, licensed bookmakers shouldn�t operate from venues that are committing premises offences under the Gambling Act 2005. The Association will use all reasonable endeavours to� ensure that where we administer the Bookmakers lists there is an Occasional use Notice in place but it is ultimately the Operators responsibility to check.
11/01/2018
BRBA P2P 2017/2018 SEASON - Please read
07/12/2017
Bookmakers are advised to ignore recent correspondence from the FRB until we receive the information requested below, on the matter dated the 30/10/2017.
11/11/2017
Notice from the Gambling Commission on prevention of underage gambling - (Corrected Letter)
08/11/2017
REQUEST FOR FRB�s DISTRIBUTABLE CASH RESERVES ( Link to the letter )
In response to the AGM�s concerns about the FRB we wrote to Barlow Robins their solicitors requesting the FRB�s cash reserves at 30th September 2017.
You will see from their solicitor's reply that whilst that they accept the FRB pay out a year in arrears they are not prepared to provide any further information.
Please note the FRB's position, as set out in the letter from their solicitors and feel free to take this into account when responding to any further correspondence from the FRB.
30/10/2017
RMG Contract
Bookmakers will have by now received a contract from RMG for the sale of your Data for 5 Years on more improved terms than the previous TTV & SiS Contact and are recommended to sign and return it.
16/10/2017
REGARDING RECENT LETTER FROM THE FRB
On receipt of the recent letter from FRB, we have clarified with RMG that the FRB is not in discussions with RMG as to data payments. RMG sought feedback from BRBA and all other bookmaker associations, including the FRB, on the individual bookmaker agreements that were sent out this week, but the FRB declined to respond.
13/10/2017
P2P News
The Cheshire Forest P2P will now be on Sunday 22nd April.
18/04/2018
Aintree Bookmakers Liaison Committee
Could members e-mail the office any issues that they want raising at the forthcoming meeting being held on the 13th Feb.
07/02/2018
I have just attended the first meeting of the Cheltenham Bookmaker/Racecourse Liaison Committee, which took place at Cheltenham Racecourse on tue 23/01/18. A summary of the meeting plus agreed action points will be posted on the AGT website shortly.
Anybody who would like a more detailed account please give me a ring.�
Nick
25/01/2018
The Agenda for the Directors Meeting on 19th February can be found in the members area of the website.
13/02/2018
Must get your betting badges online - follow instructions from the links below.
Message to Aintree Bookmakers � The 2018 Randox Health Grand National Festival
15/02/2018
Ascot Meeting
On Tuesday 10th April there will be a meeting held at Ascot about future meetings including the Royal meeting, if anyone has any questions that they want asked by Nick or Steve who will be attending please contact us.
04/04/2018
Chester�Meeting
On Tuesday 10th April there will be a meeting held at Chester about future meetings. If anyone has any questions that they want�to be raised contact us.
04/04/2018
You Must get your betting badges online - follow instructions from the link below.
Fri & Sat have both sold out and there will not be any badge boxes in operation on those days.
Message to Aintree Bookmakers � The 2018 Randox Health Grand National Festival
05/04/2018
Market Rasen Bookmakers Liaison Committee
Could members phone the office of any issues that they want raising at the forthcoming meeting being held on the 16th April.
07/02/2018
P2P Update
Middleton point has been cancelled on 31st March.
30/03/2018
Hurworth point has also just been cancelled on 2nd April
31/03/2018
P2P Update
Holderness has a new date for the 25th March and other date changes previously mentioned in the lists.
13/03/2018
Billy Day's Funeral
The funeral is to be held on Monday 5th February, 2:30PM at St Bede's Chapel, Teeside Crematorium.
Any flowers are welcome.
Teeside Crematorium,
Acklam Road,
Middlesbrough,
TS5 7HD.
After the service everyone will be invited to the Blue Bell Hotel on Acklam Road for refreshments.
29/01/2018
TRP payments have been made today.
Any questions give me a ring 9am-2pm, Mon-Fri.
Leigh
26/01/2018
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Billy Day who passed away peacefully in hospital yesterday morning. Billy was a long serving member who started bookmaking on course in 1972 and for a number of years was a valuable member of the NBPA Pitch Committee. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. Funeral details will be posted here in due course. R.I.P. Billy
22/01/2018
All those that signed up with us to do their Turf TV data claims have all been paid out today!
Hope you all have a good New Year and had a very Merry Christmas.
Leigh
27/12/2017
wetherby logo��� Notice from Wetherby Racecourse Mid - week Festival Days
Friday 3rd November and Wednesday 27th December will be mid - week festivals and therefore the badge fee will be based on 6 times the entrance fee.
12/10/2017
Notice to ALL on Course Bookmakers
At the BRBA�s AGM on 17th September it was resolved that the Association�s Solicitors wrote to the FRB�s Solicitors requesting to see what funds were held by the FRB and were available to settle all outstanding Data Payments.
For the details of the letter please follow the link.
As soon as we get a reply it will be posted on this page.
05/10/2017
Thirsk Ladies Day 9th September
�
After discussions with Thirsk Racecourse we are pleased to inform you that there will be two positions available in the Hospitality Marquee in the centre of the course available on the 1:1.
�
It is expected that there will be 250 guests and the terms will be the same as previous years based on 6 x the admission to the Premier Enclosure �28 +AGT fee.
�
Any additional staff must also purchase a Premier Enclosure Badge.
30/08/2017
Self Exclusion Form
There is now a template up in the document downloads area, or here...
24/08/2017
RMG/TurfTV Letter regarding data changes
Some of you may have already recieved this letter through the post, for those that haven't yet view here.
27/07/2017
Stephen Yarborough
We are all very saddened to hear what happened at Haydock on Friday 21st July, for members wanting to support his family at this time please follow the link to a JustGiving page setup for his family.
P2P Transfers
The results of the latest transfers can be found on the forum.
TRP Data
A copy of the TRP contract is available, please print a copy of this, tick the tracks you work at and send it to:
89 Penda's Way
Crossgates
Leeds
LS15 8HN
14/07/2017
For Members who have had problems submitting their GC Returns please contact the Office.
07/07/2017
P2P Exchange Scheme
The Available positions for sale in the Yorkshire area P2P are now listed on the BRBA forum. Those wishing to buy positions should indicate this at
Please login and then follow this link, it will direct you right to the post. (Don't forget to accept Cookies if asked when logging in.)
If you're needing a login for the forum please contact the office.
04/07/2017
The Agenda for the Board Meeting for Monday 10th July can be found in the Members area of the website.
29/06/2017
After a recent meeting with the BRBA it was agreed to relax the requirement for Bookmakers south of the Clock Tower in the course Enclosure to leave after the penultimate race, due to the expected size of the �crowd.
The only stipulation being that anyone staying after the penultimate race in these positions past the Clock Tower is entirely at their own risk and the Racecourse will not accept any responsibility for any damage or injury.
Please see the notice below regarding the Course Enclosure.
�
This is for the Course Enclosure only the Bustardthorpe restriction still applies.�
�
York Racecourse, Course Enclosure bookmakers are reminded that the Course Enclosure will be extremely busy on Saturday 1stJuly 2017.
Whilst Course Enclosure bookmakers can stay to trade on all races on the Saturday, all are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure they are able to take down their pitch and leave the course safely.
Their responsibility is not only to themselves and their respective teams but also the racegoers around them.
York Racecourse advises all bookmakers on the Course Enclosure that their safe working practices on a raceday lies with themselves.�
Bookmakers in ALL enclosures are requested to put all their litter in the bins provided.
19/06/2017
Found: A tow bar for someones joint, found in the car park at Thirsk on the 20th May. Contact the office on the number in the top left of this site. Call Between 9am - 1pm, Monday - Friday.
25/05/2017
York Bookmakers pitching up times
After a meeting between York executive and Bookmaker representatives, it was decided that with immediate effect the pitching up times will be:
Rails and Tatts 90 mins all meetings
Course 90 mins all meetings (except all Saturdays and Sundays when it will be 2 hours).
18/05/2017
The Gambling Commission has issued a statement on Occasional Use Notices (OUNs)�which can be found on the Gambling Commission Page of this website. (GC Page)
16/05/2017
A message for Wetherby Bookmakers regarding the Annual Flat Racing Surcharge please follow the link. (Click Here)
11/05/2017
There is a great deal of uncertainty regarding the amount of which might be paid for the data the FRB has been paid for the year ended 31.03.2016.
There has been no dereliction of duty from the board. We wrote to the FRB as early as August last year asking it to disclose its intentions with your money. We received a non-comital reply from the Secretary.
We wrote again in January detailing the various data fees that will be available to all Bookmakers that are currently held or to be held by the FRB. And for our endeavours, rather than reply themselves, got their solicitors to reply spending more of your money.
This correspondence is available for all Bookmakers to see in the document downloads section and you can draw your own conclusions.
All Bookmakers who have been persuaded by other associations or individuals, may wish to seek assurance that they will be no worse off by taking their advice.
11/05/2017
The recent HBLB form contains errors- please see the BRBA forum for an explanation of how to proceed.
08/05/2017
Members will be pleased to know that the template or the money laundering risk assessment that is required is available on the Gambling Commission page of the website or (Click Here).
25/04/2017
We would like to thank all those who have posted on the Members forum regarding the problems of filing their Gaming Duty returns.
A pr�cis of idea is posted in the forum for members only area of the website.
25/04/2017
We have now received the first quarter attendance details for those Bookmakers who have contracted directly through us with TRP and initial payments by BACS will start to be made this week.
20/04/2017
Optins/outs Point to Points:
If you want to be able to just click the email address link and send emails as quick as possible in the future then follow these links... Download Thunderbird (Here) and follow the instructions found...(Here).
Leigh
11/04/2017
BRBA Data payments
Starting this year it is intended to pay both TTV & TRP data payments directly by BACS.
For those members who haven�t received a cheque for the TTV February payment please
check with their Bank.
04/04/2017
The Associations updated Till Rolls with the Gambling Helpline number on the back will be available for the Randox Health Grand National.
Please order through the office in the normal way.
03/04/2017
Members latest newsletter - (Click Here)
10/03/2017
FRB- members are advised to ignore the recent letter, a rehash of the one sent out before Christmas, which we have commented upon [see below- 20/12/2016].
BOOKMAKERS' UMBRELLAS- who makes them please ?
Members are requested to see the latest notice from the Gambling Commission regarding processing times which is on the dedicated Gambling Commission page and all new licence applicants should please note the following.
(Follow this link)
21/02/2017
Plan for Royal Ascot Village 2017.
Ascot are to introduce the Royal Ascot Village, on the heath side of the track for the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the Royal Meeting 2017. Further details can be found on the Ascot �website at�www.ascot.co.uk�The plan is to�relocate�the heath enclosure 100�-120m East (down the track away from the winning post).�Bookmakers for the Royal Ascot Village enclosure will be taken from the Heath list on a short term licence allowing a bookmaker to occupy a new betting position. Bookmaker numbers for this new enclosure are presently fairly fluid and final decisions will be based nearer the event when ticket sale numbers are known. For clarification the existing positions servicing the Village Restaurant will be unaffected. We will of coursekeep everyone informed�and for clarification Ascot are looking to arrange a meeting in the coming month�to discuss details. If anyone wants to talk about any aspect of this please feel free to call me.
Nick
23/01/2017
Given the rapid technological advances being made at the moment members may wish to wait before making any major purchases of new equipment until a decision is made on the new LCD boards.
18/01/2017
�I would like to thank all those members who, so generously, donated to my
retirement gift.� I was overwhelmed at the presentation of two fabulous
paintings of both rugby and cricket at Headingley (one of my favourite
places), and also some cash, which will be put to good use at our winter
home in Spain!� I intend to visit at least one Point to Point before the
end of the season and will try to get to one of the northern racecourses in
the summer. I hope then to thank some of you personally.� Best wishes to
you all for 2017.�
Linda McDonnell.
16/01/2017�
Press Notice from DCMS on Levy Reform - (Click Here)
14/01/2017
Members are advised to ignore the FRB's latest offer unless you will be having over 75 attendances in a year.
The BRBA offer has a 150 fixed fee so only those attending more than 75 days will be better off.
For those that have signed with the BRBA please follow the TRP instruction and do nothing.
As mentioned in previous Newsletters Charitable Donations for members has been addressed and when last years payments are made by the FRB are made we will update you then.
20/12/2016
Levy Replacement
Representatives of the Association met with the DCMS last Thursday and in accordance with our policy of keeping members fully informed on all industry issues our submission is available to view in the documents download section or find it here. (Click Here)
14/12/2016
FRB DATA PAYMENTS DUE FOR THE YEAR TO 31st MARCH 2016�����������
�Although the BRBA has arranged specified daily rate quarterly data payments for bookmakers from Turf TV Courses from 1st June 2016 and TRP courses from the 1st January 2017 ALL bookmakers are still owed their full data payments for the last financial year.
Because of the problems of certain data periods not running concurrently we have asked the FRB to
�������� Specify how much of the 2016 money (usually about �1.1m) is available for distribution
�������� Disclose what the payments will be to enable Bookmakers to decide which body they wish to administer their payments.
�������� Bring forward these payments as the new contracts are starting and to avoid
any confusion and give Bookmakers their outstanding payments.
The FRB�s non committal reply, posted along with our request is in the downloads section. We would advise Bookmakers to seek clarity on the above points from the FRB along with how much the FRB will pay to those who have remained with them for TTV� & TRP.
You will also see in the documents section the FRB�s 2015 Accounts. After reading them we are sure you will share our concerns over the increasing �levels of expenditure out of your data money.
13/12/2016
PTP- Please can colleagues opt in/ opt out using the established procedure ONLY.
Email-�
Personal emails/ private calls/ calls to the office add an extra administrative layer and cannot be guaranteed to reach the PTP Chairman, whereas wherever he is JES will be looking at the specified email addy.
08/12/2016
Gambling Commission: have reissued licences, which you should print off and keep and have available for ID on- course, for sending to BRBA and AGT. The rest of the documents [are the rules/ conditions and codes of practice under which your licence operates, which you should obviously know], none remote and/ or remote as the case may be.
01/11/2016
Gambling Commission- Colleagues may wish to check out the relevant forum section, where current advice on compliance visits has been posted.
04/08/2016
Racecourse Association:
We have placed a dozen of their documents in the Document Download section of this website.
This might assist in clarification of colleagues' working practices from the perspective of the tracks.
Very Important Notice
�
At a meeting of the RCA Gambling Administration Group our new association was discussed. It was decided that the RCA (Racecourse Association) would recognise the BRBA (former NBPA) and encourage all racecourses to liaise with us on relevant on-course betting matters.
�
Your Board looks forward to working with racecourses on your behalf, in future.
�
This shows that the concern, expressed by some members, �that as an independent association our influence with racecourses would wane is unfounded
Board Meetings - in an effort to be more transparent, the Board will be placing the Agenda for meetings on a separate page in the Members' Area. Click "Board Meetings" on LH side of that page.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT- FROM THE GAMBLING COMMISSION.
The NBPA Board have long warned of the consequences of underage gambling: we respectfully urge all colleagues to read this letter and take heed.
23 February 2015
To:Federation of Racecourse Bookmakers, National Association of Bookmakers, Association of Racecourse Bookmakers, Rails Bookmakers Association
On-course age verification controls
One of the key objectives set out in the Gambling Act 2005 (�the Act�) is to protect �children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.1�
Betting can only continue to enjoy its status as a mainstream leisure activity if it is conducted and enjoyed solely by adults. The importance society places on preventing underage gambling is reflected in the fact that it is a criminal offence under the Act for a bookmaker to permit a child or young person to place a bet.
As part of the Commission�s statutory responsibility to enforce these requirements, we wrote to on-course trade associations in June 2014 to stress that they must have robust age-verification controls in place on tracks. This followed the extremely poor results from an underage test purchasing exercise conducted at Ascot racecourse, where every one of the twenty bookmakers tested failed to challenge the underage volunteers.
Since June 2014, trade associations, coordinated by the Federation of Racecourse Bookmakers (�FRB�), have taken welcome steps to raise awareness of this issue with their members.
In addition, the FRB commissioned a major programme of test purchases at a number of tracks in December and January. The results are alarming. Over the 200 tests conducted, only 10 resulted in the tester being challenged for identification in line with a �Think 21� approach.
Following the Ascot underage test purchase exercise in 2014, we confirmed that we would undertake further such exercises to monitor improvements. On 24 January 2015, we supported Cheltenham Borough Council in conducting testing of licensees at CheltenhamRacecourse. Of the 21 tests conducted, 9 resulted in a failure to challenge the volunteers, who were aged 16 and 17. The results put the on-course sector well below the level of performance of other age restricted sectors both within the gambling industry and elsewhere2.
The Commission�s concern about these serious shortcomings has been compounded by the adverse reaction from some operators in the sector, which tends to suggest a reluctance to accept and deal with the problem. We know that is not the reaction of the majority, nor of those who represent them. It is first and foremost in the on-course industry�s own interests to demonstrate a determination to make rapid and significant improvement if it is not to undermine the very light-touch regime it currently enjoys. Furthermore it is in the interests of individual operators if they are to avoid more formal enforcement action.
1s.1(c) Gambling Act 2005
2Performance for comparable challenges for off-course bookmakers average 85% for the largest operators and 75% for smaller independents
We will be making this correspondence available to the Racecourse Association and AGT as interested parties who share the Commission�s objective of raising compliance standards on tracks. Whilst we are again asking racecourses and trade associations to help communicate the need to make significant improvements in this area, ultimate responsibility for compliance rests with the individual betting licensees. To support members in these efforts, we understand the FRB will be commissioning a further �Think 21� testing exercise using Serve Legal, and will be contacting those operators subject to the earlier tests. In addition, the Commission has already engaged with further local authorities who have expressed a willingness to undertake test purchase exercises at racecourses.
From a combination of further �Think 21� and underage testing, the Commission will assess whether the required improvements in on-course controls are being evidenced.
Yours faithfully,
Matthew Hill
Director, Regulatory Risk & Analysis
LEVY
For those of you who don't already know, the DCMS have undertaken 3 'consultations' about the Levy with, it seems, a view to its replacement. A Racing Right has been proposed, and two models seem to be up for grabs- French [who pay 5.6% of turnover] and Australian [mooted at 10.75% of Gross Profits]. Since we already pay considerable sums to enter the tracks to bet, and furthermore pay Marketing Fees, the increased financial burden would prove the final straw to many colleagues, in terms of the viability of their businesses.
The DCMS have recognised the unique position of on course bookmakers and will be discussing a way forward.
URGENT REMINDER ABOUT NBPA/ BRBA INSURANCE
The NBPA/ BRBA would like to remind its members of their obligations to comply with our insurance policies. In order for a bookmaker to be authorised, they must hold a list position at the racecourse they are betting at, or be an authorised alternate operator registered with AGT on the day. In order for your staff to be covered by our Employer's Liability Insurance policy they must be bona fide employees either working for you or representing you, in your absence. If any bookmaker is in breach of Rule 4:4 of the contract which forbids any list position being shared, in part or full, their insurance cover for Public Liability and Employer's Liability may become invalid.
If you are a member of two Associations you can only be insured with one Association.
EACH WAY TERMS
Further to AGT's announcement on their website, we would like to remind our members that they too have the right to dispute payment of bets, even if directed to do so by a BRM. AGT/BRMs are only able to advise, and not insist, on the settlement of betting disputes, so if members feel that the instructions given are incorrect they should stand their ground and do what they feel is correct under Racecourse Rules. �
Bookmakers should display their each-way terms at all times, including what happens to the number of places and each-way fractions in the event of late withdrawals or runners not coming under starters orders.
Colleagues should have a Dispute Resolution policy, either with them or displayed in case of betting disputes.
SAFETY, SECURITY, PRIVACY:
PLEASE CONSIDER WHETHER YOU NEED TO BE ON THE OPEN ELECTORAL ROLL.
Umbrella Advertising
We remind bookmakers that they cannot use umbrellas with third party advertising on them, even if taped over. A discussion of suppliers is to be found on the forum. You will note that the only supplier of new umbrellas (as Carver the Umbrella Man is now an MEP and therefore busy doing other things) is advertising on the website, in the top right hand corner of this page.
The NAB is pursuing a 'Think 21' policy. A poster for colleagues to display on their joints has been sent out to NBPA members: it is available to colleagues in the Document Download section of the website for members to print off, laminate and display.�
The Gambling Commission see the prevention of underage gambling as a key part of their raison d' etre.
There will be continued Test Purchasing on racecourses.
SEE OUR POSITIONS FOR SALE / WANTED
You too can advertise here!
The Northern BPA Ltd would like to offer the services of our Classified Advertisement Section to ALL Bookmakers, who are licensed by the Gambling Commission, so they may offer for sale any list positions they currently hold.�Please note that we are not authorised to act as an agent, we are only acting as an advertising medium, and all transactions must be carried out through AGT.HMRC
The Directors of The Northern BPA Ltd. remind members of their obligations to HMRC, via Gaming Duty, of laying horses on the betting exchanges.
THE NORTHERN BPA LTD FORUM
Our Forum for members is now up and running.� Should any member wish to join in discussions on the Forum they should contact
Please note that there will be no anonymity.
Your real name will be shown on the Forum at all times.
IMPORTANT�NEWS REGARDING NBPA/ NAB
Dear Colleague,
On 5th November 2015, we received notification from the NAB that we were no longer affiliated to them, as we had continued to withhold affiliation fees.
This will come as no surprise to members, as we have discussed this scenario with many of you individually, as well as at our AGM.
We have also, as early as the beginning of October, made our new key partners the Racecourses aware of this move and therefore it will be of little surprise to them.
At the last board meeting on 8th October 2015, it was minuted that there was �14k in affiliation fees due and it was suggested that this could be held in an Escrow Account until it was decided how to repay the non loss making element back to members.
Going forward members can expect significantly lower subscriptions with little change to their benefits.
Members can be reassured that this action has no impact on the FRB/ SIS money, distributed annually to all bookmakers irrespective of Trade Association affiliation.
We will give you further details after our board meeting on 3rd December 2015.
CG Hudson (Chairman, NBPA).
Deborah (and friends) Did It!!
The Muddy Mayhem Challenge was on Sunday at Sedgefield and Deborah Ward and her friends completed the gruelling course with a smile on their faces. After seeing all the photos we don't know why!
There is still time to donate to this worthy cause via the link on the home page.
WELL DONE TO ALL OF THEM
20150927 133215
20150927 145528-1��20150927 145533-1��20150927 145549-120150927 161332
�We have been asked by the Gambling Commission to pass on the following information -
GAMBLING COMMISSION
Improving our communications after a compliance assessment
As part of the Commission�s on-going drive to continuously improve and regulate in a transparent, accountable, proportionate, consistent and targeted manner we have recently undertaken an internal review that looked at the way we communicate the results of premises based compliance assessments with operators. As a result of this work we intend to make some minor adjustments that will bring benefits to our licensed operators.
At the conclusion of an individual assessment we will leave a brief written document that outlines the purpose of the assessment and records that an oral summary of the findings was presented to an appropriate recipient. The written document will continue to meet the requirements of "The Gambling Act 2005 (Inspection)(Provision of Information) Regulations 2007 No. 319� but it will no longer contain a record of the assessment findings. The findings will now be recorded in a letter that will be sent to the operator following the assessment.
The Commission has previously received feedback from some operators stating that the hand written documents left at premises following an assessment were, at times, illegible or confusing. By moving to typed and considered letters we will, in clear terms, advise the operator of any matters that may need addressing and by when they need to be actioned. The letters will also contain advice and refer to the relevant legislation, licence conditions and code provisions to aid understanding. We believe that this will improve our communication with operators and achieve greater consistency in supporting and collaborating with operators to aid our risk-based approach to regulation in a cost effective manner.
We intend to introduce these improvements gradually starting with smaller operators from October 1.
We are happy to take feedback from you and your members on any impact the planned improvements may have and hope that you can support and play a role in reassuring your members as they adjust to these minor changes.
Yours sincerely
Graham Burgin
Compliance Manager
LICENSING AND ACTIVITIES OF EXCHANGE LAYERS
Our Directors thought that Members may like to see some of the work that is being done on their behalf. Here is a letter from the Gambling Commission which refers to various topics that we have queried over many months.
Victoria Square House Victoria Square Birmingham B2 4BP T 0121 230 6666 F 0121 230 6720 www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
To: Robin GrossmithFederation of Racecourse Bookmakers
Dear Mr Grossmith
Unlicensed bookmaking and in running betting
Thank you for your email of 19 April regarding concerns that you and your members have about unlicensed bookmaking and in running betting. In particular, you were concerned that there was no general requirement for layers on exchanges to be licensed; that the practice of "laying fallers" may be putting some customers of exchanges at an unfair disadvantage; and that some racecourses may, by making corporate hospitality areas available to in-running bettors, be providing facilities for betting that should be licensed.
As you know, we have received a number of similar communications about these issues therefore, whilst I understand that much of the information contained in this letter is not new to you, I thought it would be useful to address these matters in one document which you can forward to your members and which can also be published on the Gambling Commission website for others to view. I am grateful for your help in conveying this information.
In addition, I will be writing to all those who have corresponded with the Commission on this topic in the last few weeks enclosing a copy of this letter.
Licensing of exchange layers
I should say first of all that where exchanges are concerned the Commission considers that the principal risks to the licensing objectives are addressed by licensing the exchanges themselves and expecting them to deliver the licensing objectives of keeping crime out of gambling, keeping it fair and open and protecting children and vulnerable people.
It has been frequently suggested that in addition to licensing the exchanges themselves, all layers on exchanges should be licensed. It is important to understand, however, that the Gambling Act 2005 does not distinguish between backers and layers. In fact, the law captures both backing and laying of bets in its definition of betting. The starting point is that the provision of gambling facilities is illegal unless licensed or covered by one of the exemptions contained in the Act. Under the Act, both backing and laying bets can constitute the provision of gambling facilities: anyone making or accepting a bet � even the punter in the high street LBO � is potentially caught by the Act, regardless of whether they are a backer or a layer. This is why the Act provides an exemption from the offence of providing facilities for gambling for all those who are not acting "in the course of business".
"In the course of business" is essentially a tax definition. In the vast majority of cases the classification is an obvious one. Where it is not so clear-cut � and some point to layers on exchanges as an example � we look to HMRC to identify anyone who might fall into this category.I should say, however, that HMRC do not expect to identify many, if any, individuals liable for tax in this way.
You may be interested to know that the Treasury conducted a review of the tax treatment of exchange users in 2005. It has not so far been considered that the circumstances have changed sufficiently to merit revisting the findings of the review.
In addition, as I said at the outset, we consider the main risks arising from the activities of such individuals to be effectively managed by licensing the exchanges themselves so although the unlicensed use of an exchange in the course of business would be illegal and hence contrary to the licensing objectives we do not consider it a proportionate use of our resources to look for the few if any who are so doing.
Laying of fallers
We know that many people are concerned about the advantage that may be gained by in-running bettors through, for example, their presence on the course, or access to a fast picture feed. The example that is most often cited is the practice of laying fallers � that is, the laying of a horse that the layer knows has fallen and therefore cannot win. The principal objections that are made to this practice are that it must be illegal (and cheating), that it must be substantially unfair and/or that it must be contrary to the second licensing objective, which relates to fairness.
On the first point, when considering the legality of in running betting it is helpful to first look at section 9 of the Gambling Act 2005. This section of the Act allows a transaction to be a bet despite the fact that one party to the transaction knows the outcome. Simply put, the law states that it is legal to make a bet even when one party knows the outcome already; laying fallen horses is not illegal.
On the question of whether or not such a bet is unfair, we see fallen horses as an example of the way in which those on course have an information advantage over those who are not at the course; but an advantage that is, at least in theory, available to any member of the public. There are many circumstances where one party, not necessarily on course, has access to information that the other party does not. While there are of course differing degrees of this I think no-one would argue that a betting enthusiast who makes the effort to watch the morning gallops in Newmarket with a view to getting an edge over other punters was acting in a way that was substantially unfair. What is more important to us is that consumers are made aware of the fact that they might be betting against someone, whether licensed operator or not, who knows more about the potential outcome than they do. It is worth noting in this context that we have not received any complaints from members of the public who feel they have been misled.
As you know, the Commission considered these matters in some depth when we consulted on in running betting in 2008 and at that stage there appeared no real evidence that unsuspecting members of the public were being misled. For example, public information notices on betting sites and on live feeds were clear about the delay. Considering the popularity of in running betting, and the need to ensure that our response is proportionate, we considered the best approach to be one of caveat emptor. However, it is, of course, possible for circumstances to change, for issues to grow in significance and for new evidence to be presented. With that in mind, we said that we would keep the matter under review � and it remains the case that if we were given evidence that on-screen warnings, for example, were insufficient, we would consider further action (although I should make clear that further action might be simply to require better notices on screens or improve public education). We intend to consult publicly on the use of inside information in the future, and this may offer an opportunity to re-examine these issues. To sum up, betting in-running is legal under the Act and our current position, after much consideration and public consultation, is that the risk to the licensing objectives is adequately mitigated by ensuring that consumers are warned about the potential disadvantage to which they may expose themselves if they choose to bet in this way; but we are open to considering new evidence that might have a bearing on that position. You can find more information about our position on in-running betting here: http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/pdf/in-running betting position paper - march 2009.pdf . On a related issue, it has been suggested that in-running markets should be suspended on horseraces when a horse has fallen. As I know you will appreciate, this is perhaps not a straightforward to achieve in practice as it might appear at first sight. Unlike, for example, football, where play stops at the point at which an event which would cause the market to be suspended takes place eg a goal, penalty or red card, horseracing presents technical challenges due to the limited timescales and continuous action that a race provides. To date we have not picked up enough concern about fallers and in-running betting to explore this option � as I have said we have not received a single complaint from a consumer - but we remain open to considering new evidence.
Use of racecourse facilities
Hospitality boxes are by their nature designed to facilitate their users' enjoyment of horse racing, which of course often includes betting. Just as those standing on the track or seated in the stands can see the screens and live action and can bet on it either via on-course bookmakers or on their blackberries, laptops, phones or equivalents, so can those in boxes.
The issue for the Commission is to determine whether those promoting the boxes are themselves providing facilities for gambling and therefore need to be licensed to run a trading room. A number of factors are used to determine this including whether a box is provided or promoted as a gambling facility or computer equipment provided over and above what would normally be expected to be found in a hospitality box. The Act does not have hard and fast rules in this area. It is generally a matter of judgement taking into account relevant circumstances.
In cases where we determine that the facilities provided constitute facilities for gambling we require the operator to obtain a trading room licence. This covers the provision of facilities within the room it does not follow that users of such facilities require licensing for their betting activities.
To help operators, racecourses and other interested parties understand better the factors that the Commission may take into account when determining whether or not facilities should be licensed, we have published a set of indicators, which you can find here: http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/pdf/corporate hospitality at racecourses.pdf. I trust that this letter helps clarify our position regarding these matters. Should you have any further questions regarding this or other matters please do not hesitate to contact the Commission.
Yours sincerely
Matthew Hill
Director of Strategy Research and Analysis