York Racecourse will not enter into new sponsorship deals with bookmakers not signed on as Authorized Betting Partners, however, it will continue to accept sponsorship from bookmakers who already sponsor its races. York currently has race sponsorship agreements with Betfred and Sky Bet, among others, who are not ABPs.
Authorized Betting Partners are bookmakers deemed by British racing to have a fair funding relationship with the sport in relation to offshore digital operations and Levy contributions. The Jockey Club Racecourses and Arena Racing Company, which own many of the country's major tracks, announced in October that they would not enter into any new sponsorship agreements with bookmakers that do not meet ABP standards. York is the first of Britain's four major independent racecourses to state its position on ABPs; Goodwood, Ascot and Newbury have yet to comment.
“York welcomes both the positive action already taken by some digital bookmakers to sign up as ABPs, as well as the support York receives through the strong, long-standing partnerships that already exist with bookmakers who sponsor at York,” said a statement from the racecourse. “Whilst working to deliver for its existing and valued bookmaker sponsors, the course hopes that it can encourage them and other betting companies to reach a wider settlement with the racing industry. As agreements for 2016 are already in place, there are no renewals pending with non ABP bookmakers. To demonstrate its support for the principle of the scheme, in the short term, the course will not sign sponsorships with any new betting brands that are not authorised betting partners. As this is an important matter for the sport, York and the other large independent racecourses will continue to engage with interested parties of all perspectives, as the detail and operation of the scheme develops.”
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