Eden Bookmakers Austin Carney TVC Bookmakers' Trade Fair

BOS magazine Provided by:

MannyBernstein

Eden Bookmakers

Austin Carney

TVC Bookmakers' Trade Fair

BOS Magazine is back.

It’s been nine months

since the final print

edition, the Novem-

ber/December 2015

issue, went out, 34

years after its debut.

Due to the rising costs

of printing and

postage, the idea had

been to relaunch as a

purely online

publication sometime

in the spring. Some

minor setbacks and

what might be termed

in modern parlance as

‘logistical challenges’

meant a launch date

kept getting delayed.

We couldn’t take it on

by ourselves. It was

clear to us that the

only way we could

continue as the voice

of the independent

bookmaker would be

to find someone with

the financial backing

and technological

knowhow we didn’t

possess.

In early July, my

husband Chris and I

were invited to Market

Rasen racecourse for

the annual meeting

sponsored by Don

Noble Bookmakers.

The subject of the

future of BOS came up

in casual conversation,

which led to a

proposal, followed by

a plan.

Now, here we are. And

we would like very

much to state our

appreciation for the

support of BOS

Magazine from

Don Noble/Manny

Bernstein, particularly

Richard Noble and

Tony Nicholls, along

with Adam Williams

for his IT expertise.

We’re not

exaggerating when we

say we truly couldn’t

have done it without

you.

We couldn’t. Thank

you.

MARY PITT

Editor

CONTENTS ISSUE 211

http://bos.mannybernstein.co.uk BOS Magazine - October 2016 Page 2

A WORD - OR SEVERAL - OF THANKS

Richard Noble and Tony Nicholls on Don Noble Race Day at Market Rasen

Page 3

Comment

Page 4

Eden Bookmakers

Page 6

Austin Carney

Page 8

John Bickell

Page 9

Winning Post baptism of fire

at Cheltenham

Page 10

Moore’s Ascot Masterclass

Page 12-33

TVC Bookmakers’ Trade Fair

advertisers

Page 20-24

TVC Bookmakers’ Trade Fair

Catalogue

Page 34

Angus Dalrymple:

The Strange Case of the

Secret Office

Page 36

Gambling Commission news

Page 38

Matt Howe reflects on

whirlwind year

Page 40

Leicester win right result for

Wales bookie

http://bos.mannybernstein.co.uk

Comment


WE’RE BACK. There’s been a lot

going on in our absence. In August

it was reported in the Racing Post

that Boylesports are interested in

purchasing all 360 (or thereabouts)

shops likely to be sold off as a

condition of the Ladbrokes – Coral

merger. The Competition and

Markets Authority approved the

merger subject to around 350 to

400 shops being unloaded first.

Boylesports has stated their

intention to buy all the available

shops.

Wouldn’t it be better if at

least some of those shops were

offered to small independent

chains or individual operators?

This very idea was suggested by

Star Sports supremo Ben Keith in

his blog post at the end of May.

Cities and towns are

continually discussing how to

revive their high streets and how

to encourage more small local

independent businesses to fill their

vacant shop fronts. Why shouldn’t

this include independent

bookmakers?

So many times we’ve gone

into small independent betting

shops and found a real community

atmosphere, with staff who know

their customers well and look after

them, to the point of enquiring

when they don’t see them in the

shop on a regular basis, or even

visiting them if they’re in hospital.

It’s this social aspect that

should be emphasised whenever

the subject of betting shops in a

particular locality comes up, along

with cultivating good relationships

between local councils and locally

owned and operated betting

shops.

APRIL 1, 2017 still appears to be

the target date for the levy

replacement and/or reform, but

there seems to be a decided lack

of activity on that front.

Even if a levy replacement

spells the end of the BHA’s

Authorised Betting Partner policy,

the ramifications are still likely to

reverberate for some time.

Bookmakers are turning to other

sports, such as darts, snooker and

football, for sponsorship deals. To

pile on the clichés, racing just

might find it has not only shot

itself in the foot and is missing the

boat, but they may see their

sponsorship opportunities sail

away over the horizon and never

come back.

ACCORDING TO Bill Barber’s

column in the Racing Post back on

May 19, betting shop picture rights

payments have become the largest

single income source for British

racing from the betting industry.

The government has said it would

take media rights payments into

consideration when setting the

rate for the proposed levy

replacement. Costs to bookmakers

continue to escalate, so could

bookmakers opt to completely get

rid of racing in their shops?

Doubtful. But scale down or

deemphasise coverage? Maybe.

BETFRED’S EXCLUSIVITY to run the

tote ends on July 12, 2018. From

then, anyone can set up a pool

betting operation with permission

from the Gambling Commission.

That date will be here before you

know it, and racing is already

exploring its options as regards

operating its own tote service. The

idea of a racing operated tote has

already been proposed, with

betting shops and online

bookmakers seen as key players in

providing the distribution. Exotic

wagers are seen as instrumental to

any tote success, with the concept

of a big win for a small outlay likely

to appeal to casual punters and

customers more used to playing

the lottery.

It would need most, if not

all, racecourses and a large

segment of the betting industry to

cooperate to make it a success.

Consolidation will be vital in order

to provide enough liquidity to

make the operation viable and

competitive, and also to share the

technology and implementation

costs. The involvement of and

costs to independent operators

must also be taken into

consideration.

Mary Pitt



Eden Bookmakers’ Fleet of Shops by Chris Pitt

Mark Eden

THERE’S A ‘to do’ list on the back wall of the counter at Eden Bookmakers’ shop in Fleet. It encompasses all the small but vital jobs that need to be done before opening for business, such as making sure betting slips and pens are out, putting up newspapers, and cleaning FOBT machine screens each morning.

John Eden would have recognised the first two of those when establishing the firm in 1969, but he’d have been scratching his head over the third item. “What’s a FOBT?” he may have queried.

Sadly, John passed away in 1993, several years before FOBTs made their betting shop debut. The business is now run by his sons Mark and Chris Eden. Their mother Carole, John’s widow, the matriarch of the organisation, is now retired but remains a partner in the business. John Eden worked for accountants Price Waterhouse before leaving and joining the William Hill organisation. When Hills gave him a ‘take it or leave it’ choice of travelling around the country opening new shops; he opted to leave it. After a short spell in supermarket cleaning he acquired a shop owned by independent bookmaker York’s in Sandhurst. He eventually obtained a second shop, in the Hampshire village of Hartley Wintney, some five miles to the west of Fleet.

At the time of John’s death, Eden Bookmakers comprised just those two premises but there has been a gradual expansion over the years to the point where their portfolio now stands at eight, having added shops in Fleet, Cowley, West Drayton, Bracknell and two in Aldershot.

The original Sandhurst shop is long gone; it’s now on its third location within the town, in a former

Blockbuster Video shop.

Mark, 52, deals with the accounts while Chris, 47, handles the staffing side. The brothers came into the business via widely differing routes.

When Mark left school he served an apprenticeship as a test technician with electronics firm Racal. Having spent six weeks working in the factory, he decided it wasn’t for him and went into the family’s betting shop business.

Chris’s apprenticeship was of a very different type. He went to the British Racing School and joined Paul Kelleway’s Newmarket stable with aspirations of becoming a jockey but weight got the better of him. He then spent a year in Australia, came back and joined the family firm.

Chris’s horseracing ambitions had been fuelled by their elder brother Grant Eden, now 56, who was formerly a trainer in Newmarket but suffered serious injuries in a car crash that kept him out of the sport for a few years. Happily, he is now back in racing, being a member of Roger Charlton’s training operation at Beckhampton.

Eden Bookmakers’ head office is at the Fleet shop, which is now pretty much their sole high street premises. Its clientele consists

of roughly 80 per cent ‘regulars’, rather than passing trade. Competi-tion within the town comes from a nearby Coral shop and a Betfred further along the high street.

Concessions offered include treble the odds Lucky 15s, double result, guaranteed odds and rounding up forecasts and tricasts.

“We do a lot, we always compete,” says Mark of their offers. “Our opening hours vary from shop to shop. The earliest we open anywhere is nine and the latest we close is nine-thirty. We’re shut on Sunday evenings.”

Late last year Eden Bookmakers signed a four-year agreement with SG Gaming as its sole machine provider, replacing Eden’s previous supplier. Mark has nothing but praise for their new supplier, commenting that he’s been “massively pleased” with the arrangement.

“SG Gaming had all the staff in, trained us on the machines, and we’ve had loads of promotions. The service is good and you can rely on them,” he says.

Eden are equally enthusiastic members of the Bookmakers Technology Consortium. “It’s well worth it,” affirms Mark. “It saves you money – it’s worth the amount of money you save just on football coupons alone – and the actual system is better, cheaper and more up-to-date.”

They are, however, keeping a watching brief with regard to the BTC’s recent ground-breaking media rights deal with The Racing Partnership, which will see pictures from TRP’s 22 racecourses shown throughout the UK and Ireland. “We’ll wait and see,” says Mark. “We definitely pay too much for pictures but it seems as though we’re just replacing one provider with another.



“We’ve got BT Sport, Turf TV and SIS in all the shops. When we took Turf TV we were one of the first to do so. If Turf TV had had the dogs, there was a possibility that at some stage we’d have switched off SIS because

the (British) racing they’ve got is poor, although the Irish racing is competitive. “The main point is that we as independents pay exclusive prices for the racing pictures when they’re not exclusive; it’s given away free on telly.” The percentage of

FOBT or over the counter trade depends on the location of the shop, Mark reflects. “The more retail-orientated the shop, the more people you’ll get on the machines, because it’s mostly shoppers as

opposed to racing fans, whereas Hartley Wintney is a place where people go to retire so they’re generally all racing fans. We’ve got a good mix; it’s actually quite healthy for the business.”

Other items on the Fleet shop’s ‘to do’ list include all customers to be offered tea and coffee, football coupons to be downloaded and all manual bets to be settled as soon as possible. Again, John Eden may have furrowed his brow about providing free refreshments and wondered what exactly ‘downloading’ meant. And as for settling all manual bets, aren’t they, he might have mused, the only kind there is?

500 shops sign up for new TV channel


The Racing Partnership (TRP) has secured its first retail media rights deal with betting shops. The ground-breaking deal was initiated between TRP and the Bookmakers Technology Consortium (BTC) but contracts signed to date come from right across the independent sector in the UK and Ireland. BTC represents over 450 independent LBOs including JenningsBet, Stan James and Corbetts. This deal is the first time that the horseracing industry has sold its media rights directly to the retail bookmaking industry. The deal will see pictures from the 22 racecourse that are part of TRP shown throughout the UK and Ireland. Subscribers began receiving racing from South Africa, via the TRP TV Channel, from 1 September. From the start of 2017, the TRP service will provide pictures, commentary and data from all of the racecourses previously owned by Arena Leisure (Doncaster, Lingfield Park, Royal Windsor, Southwell, Wolverhampton, and

Worcester). Coverage from Fakenham, Hexham and Towcester will be added to the schedule from May 2017, with 13 more racecourses added from January 2018. This schedule of content equates to around 650 fixtures per year with TRP’s racecourse members making up 40 per cent of UK horseracing fixtures. With the South African content the TRP TV channel will show almost 1,100 fixtures per year. Beyond the LBO environment all racing will continue to be aired via TRP’s media partner At The Races. ARC’s Director of Media Technology and Production and Director of The Racing Partnership, Mark Kingston said: “We have listened to independent bookmakers and put together a proposal for a new service. Based on the speed and level of uptake, it is clear that we have been able to come up with an offer that meets their require-ments and provides a clear and transparent way forward for the

independent sector. With more fixtures, better field sizes and quality of product, The Racing Partnership is already demonstrating its commitment to delivering a product of value to the retail sector.” BTC Director Howard Chisholm said: “It has been a real positive for independent bookmakers to be consulted before a channel begins operation. TRP will be for independents and we in BTC intend to work with the channel to ensure it provides content relevant to independent operators on both sides of the Irish Sea." JenningsBet’s Joint Managing Director Julian Knight said: “As an independent LBO operator with 100 shops, competing in an ever more challenging marketplace, it is essential that we plan effectively for the future. The agreement with The Racing Partnership gives us clarity, certainty and collaboration relating to content which is absolutely essential for our business.”

Interior of Fleet shop



AUSTIN CARNEY ISN’T one to let the grass grow under his feet. After a career spent in bookmaking, he refers to himself these days as ‘retired’, but that’s a misnomer if ever there was one.

Northeast born and bred, from a small town between Durham and Sunderland, he has been in bookmaking since leaving school at age 16 and joining the well-known Sunderland-based firm Gus Carter Ltd.

“The company grew in size and fortunately I grew in experience with the company,” he remembers. “You worked in the head office, they still had the last remnants of bookie’s runners so you learned to settle bets by opening the clock bags. People in the industry had to be fairly numerate.”

He also used to work at greyhound tracks on the evenings, “just getting experience,” he recalls. “With Gus Carter, I graduated to betting on the racecourse. I worked with the owner’s sons and when the owner passed away and his sons took over I then became part of the regular racecourse team.” The company had pitches in the north of England as far down as Southwell, and on the rails in Scotland.

“Running parallel with that, I gained more experience taking bets on the telephone side of the business and that manifested itself into getting office

and administrative experience, dealing with customers. Eventually when you were 18, 19 you were moved into the retail side.

“When I was 21 I got a bookmaker’s licence and stood for myself with a friend, Darren Lord. We stood at the local greyhound tracks and that gave me extra income although it was quite a tough grounding. At the time it was the ‘dead man’s shoes’ situation with the racetracks until they changed the legislation a number of years later,” Austin relates.

He was given the opportunity to purchase the Reuben Page chain, then a group of six shops located in Consett, at the age of 25 in 1989. “A couple of friends at the time were keen to get into the betting industry, one of whom, Ian Pearson, had a milk business, and David Archer, who wasn’t in the industry.”

The move was a good one, the chain growing from six shops to 58, and employing 350 people. “I’d like to think I played a hand in that,” Austin says. “The other two guys had no experience of the industry, obviously that was garnered over time. We had a few things we did which were highly successful. We were only the second company in the UK to take bets with debit cards. We had an excellent relationship with the Racing Post who at the time were in a very competitive situation with the Sporting Life as they were the new kid on the block.

“We eventually took the decision to focus on shops because at the time some of the walls were coming down. Televised racing was able to be transmitted into shops. After that came AWP machines, shop windows, taxation changes. All of those created opportunities and we were as aggressive as we could be as we didn’t come from a wealthy financial background. We were just self-funded so rather than paying ourselves large wages we preferred to put money back into the business.

“Ian left the business after a few years, leaving myself and David. David looked after a lot of the administration and finance side, whilst

my responsibilities lay with the development, commercial and marketing side. We had a good skill set between us and I think that enabled the business to prosper.”

The rebranding to Pagebet came about with the advent of online gaming. “We were late entering the market because we had been investing all of our funds into retail, however we did two or three really good deals to launch the brand with deals to be Sunderland Football Club’s first online betting partner, and a partnership with Newcastle Falcons for example. We’d got some good links in and around sport in the region as well as a great relationship with the local press.

“We were just starting to look to rebrand Reuben Page to Pagebet because it was an easier name to use as an online brand. I wanted to keep Reuben Page as the retail brand and Pagebet.com as an online brand. There was I suppose a mild disagreement in that David wanted Pagebet across the board.”

Betfair heralded the escalating popularity of betting exchanges, and at the same time costs to shops were on the increase. “We took a decision which subsequently proved to be correct to sell the business to Gala Coral,” he explains. “It was a very good deal I’m sure for all parties at the time.

“We’d started to explore an exit, but we wanted to stay within the business. So we took the decision to sell the company, Reuben Page, Ltd. We ended up offloading 45 of the 59 shops to Coral and retained 14 and at that point I also semi left the business, leaving David to run it.

“I’d been in the betting industry from 16 so I was probably ready for a little bit of a rest. David was able to run the business as he saw fit and I stepped back into the shadows and just did a very small part-time role.

“Within 18 months, we actually sold the business again in a sense because we sold 45 per cent for a considerable sum. The new business continued to expand but David and myself subsequently had a parting of the ways. Further down the line the

Profile: Austin Carney



by Mary Pitt


venture capitalists maybe had a disagreement with David, and I came back into it until the business was taken on by Stan James.

“Steve Fisher asked me to stay on as a consultant, which I did, and I was delighted to help Steve and his team working with some great people including Euan McCormick, and Ian Blackburn who were retained from Pagebet, and formed a key part of the management team.” He remained a consultant to Stan James until 2014.

Currently, he owns part of design company Rufus, based in Sunderland and headed by Ian Wright. “It has been very successful doing great value shop refurbishment. Ian is a very creative guy. Utilising their skills and my industry knowledge we’ve been able to do a lot of work for great guys like Richard Noble of Don Noble, Roy Holbrook of Winning Post, George Carragill, Pridmores, Manny Cook, and Corbetts amongst others.”

He’s also involved in a number of sports businesses. “We have a foot-ball stadium in Durham which hosts Durham Ladies, who are in the Women’s FA Premier League Division One. We host the biggest youth league in the country on a Saturday morning with a thousand kids and parents trying to impress the scouts from the North East big three. We have an indoor foot-ball centre, Soccarena, and Infinite Air, a trampoline park.” He has also worked recently with Durham County Cricket Club in offering great value sponsorship and commercial opportunities, including helping find a betting partner and shirt sponsors.

“I was involved with Optima and the Margin Maker product for six months, successfully launching awareness of the company in the UK. That was a good experience as well,” he adds.

“Another area where I’ve been involved is that a good friend of mine has one of the biggest electrical wholesalers in the north of England, Harbro Electrical. He’s very LED focused. I’ve been able to help a number of friends in the industry with the installation of LED lighting

“When you look at return on capital in-vested through what Rufus and Harbro Electri-cal are doing, there are ways of looking at your business and at how you can save money by in-vesting in new technology like LED lighting. In some cases, they’re getting their money back within a year.”

The wheels in the Carney brain obviously hardly ever take a sab-batical. He continues: “On my football stadium we’ve got a plant where we produce 40-foot by eight-foot shipping containers. I think it was Will Roseff who had the idea many years ago of a mobile caravan-style betting shop. You could very easily fit out these boxes and just drop them an-ywhere. It’s very inexpensive and, if it doesn’t work, pick it up and take it somewhere else. That would be one way of introducing a low-cost entry, maybe predominantly sports focused, for bookmakers.

“I think the industry will always continue to evolve, but we should never forget, machines are one thing, but people are another, and you can’t beat having some money in your pocket, having a financial interest in whatever it is, a sporting or racing event, then pick-ing up your winnings. People still like to bet in cash, still like to receive cash and still like the atmosphere of a betting shop.

“That’s why Royal Ascot, Chel-tenham, large football matches, Grand Prix, the British Open, all these top events are always well supported, peo-ple make a real day of it, and I think that’s where bookmakers can still play a part. They can get involved in the events, they can offer mobile betting facilities, actual physical facilities to place bets. There’s a real opportunity with sports venues across the board.

“In retail, with costs going up, margins are very tight, it’s a very diffi-cult environment. Technology is moving

on at such a pace that it’s become a tough world out there for traditional bookmakers, but I think the ones that are fit and lean still have a part to play.”

Not just in Britain, he notes. “There’s no doubt there are some fan-tastic opportunities overseas but, like everywhere, legislation, licensing and how stable different countries and envi-ronments are do play a part in that. One thing you can say is that in the UK betting is very highly regarded and re-spected and well-regulated and that should always keep us at the forefront.”

He adds one caveat: “Racing needs to be more realistic with some of the charges they’re looking to put on the bookmakers, because it’s a decreas-ing market. It’s not because bookmak-ers don’t like racing. If the charges keep going up, what happens is, the number of betting shops, the number of book-makers continues to reduce.”

As for his own role, he states: “I still retain a huge passion for the betting industry but obviously you’re only able to be as involved as opportu-nities present themselves. Racing, the betting industry and sport in general have given me a lot over the years, and I still think I’ve got a fair bit to offer within the industry “I’m still around, but I’m not as busy as I used to be.” It’s a good bet that he won’t be idle for long.

Austin with Richard Noble of Don Noble Betting



JOHN BICKELL, founder of I ndependent firm Town & Country Bookmakers, died in July aged 67, having never fully recovered from a severe brain haemorrhage in the aftermath of a road accident in 2015.

John had been in bookmaking almost all his working life and, as Warwick Bartlett, chief executive and founder of Global Betting & Gaming Consultancy, recalled, was the man who came up with an innovation that “saved the industry” and developed into an everyday staple betting shop product.

His idea arose following the introduction of the National Lottery. With the government refusing to allow side betting on the National Lottery, it was John who suggested taking bets on the Irish Lottery.

“At the time it sounded unlikely,” Warwick told the Racing Post’s Jim Cremin. “The Irish Lottery was not televised; punters would not see the results. Why would you bet on something without seeing the outcome? The industry was so desperate we’d have tried anything. It proved a major success. From it followed 49s and then the virtual products.

“John was a kind and considerate gentleman who had the courage to speak out at a meeting of 200 bookmakers who all thought, as I did at the time, that it was a crazy idea. He saved the industry, he really did.”

Born in Hackney in 1949, John’s family moved to Leyton and then to Islington where his father became landlord of the Duke of York in Downham Road.

John’s route into the world of betting shops was guided initially by his grandfather, whose brother was a bookmaker in Hoxton in the East End of London before betting shops were licensed. When

betting shops were legalised he bought four shops in Burnt Oak, Edgware, Collindale and Chingford, trading under the name of Sydes and Fowle. John’s mother became a cashier, while his grandfather and aunt were part-time managers.

John initially worked in a solicitor’s office, but it was merely a way of marking time until he was 18 and old enough to be legally employed in a betting office. He joined City Tote (which evolved into Mecca Bookmakers and later William Hill) as a board marker and worked his way up the ladder, becoming a business development manager for William Hill in charge of 120 shops in south-east London and Kent.

He eventually set up as an independent bookmaker, going into business with a partner, John Mayne, in a shop on Wembley High Street. Mayne’s interest in the business was later bought out by Barry Fulton of Sports Bookmakers.

Meanwhile, John had acquired another shop, one of several that he was to buy and sell over the ensuing years, locations including West Acton, Willesden, Northwood Hills and Hounslow.

Since selling his Hounslow shop to Stan James in April 2011, the West Acton premises became the only one trading under the Town & Country banner.

Long-standing friend and associate Mo Charge of Sports Bookmakers was one of many to pay tribute: “He was a good hearted kind man who had the patience levels of a saint. His achievements for the bookmaking industry as a whole were top drawer and this was mirrored in the support his golf day attracted last year.

“He was one that I would always ask about the retail side of our business as my respect for him held no bounds.”

The funeral took place on August 5 at Worthing Crematorium, Findon, in West Sussex. Those present included Sports Bookmakers’ Barry Fulton and Mo Charge, Steve Fisher of Stan James, former Hills/Mecca colleagues Terry Probert, Gordon Oliver, John Watkins and John Quinn, George Moakes of Roar (and formerly Don Bruce) and Jim Cremin, representing the Racing Post's Betting Shop Display user committee of which John was a valued contributor.

Also present were many of John’s Town & Country employees including John Powell, a manager in the early days at the Wembley branch, Julie Mayes and Lorraine Maderia, manager and cashier respectively of the Harrow & Weald branch, Marcus Price, former manager of the Northwood Hills shop, plus Marcel Mavronicholas, an on-course rep who enjoyed passing the time with John

John is survived by his wife Lorraine, children John junior and Fay, and grandchildren Leighton, Riley and Elizabeth.

John Bickell of Town & Country



BRISTOL-BASED independent Winning Post, who in June 2014 took over Ascot’s ground-floor betting shop formerly run by Ladbrokes, this year added Cheltenham to its racecourse portfolio.

It was a case of all hands on board as Winning Post had been appointed to take over at Cheltenham little more than a week before the biggest betting event in the jump racing calendar, following Ladbrokes’ late departure due to conflicts with the authorised betting partner (ABP) arrangement introduced last autumn.

“We actually had to rebuild the shop in the Centaur from scratch after Ladbrokes vacated,” reported Winning Post’s boss Roy Holbrook. “As we only had eight days until the start of the festival, we had to work late several nights overseeing work by carpenters, electricians and computer installers to get our 12-till system installed on time.

“We had great support from Howard Chisholm and the BTC to get all the tills set up for the first day’s business. Unfortunately, the meeting didn’t go too well with all the short priced ‘good things’ winning during the festival.

“Even though Cheltenham

was a baptism of fire we are thoroughly enjoying being there and have had good support from Dickon White and David Mackinnon behind the scenes. We enjoy being a small part at these major venues and the raised profile this brings to Winning Post.

“All the staff enjoy going to work at these events so we have to rotate to accommodate them. But they also know that the day’s work is fast and furious and not all fun. We are now in our third year at Ascot and cannot speak too highly of the team there of Alastair Warwick

and the rest of his staff who have always looked after us and helped with any problems that may arise.

“At Ascot we are also the official bookmaker to the Shergar Cup competition which has been great fun. Apart from the royal meeting, Champions Day would be our busiest day during the season.

“Since we took on Ascot and Cheltenham we have had a bit of a helter-skelter ride with the results at the big meetings, but they’re beginning to even out so we’re confident of a better end to 2016.”

Winning Post’s baptism of fire at Cheltenham

SIS has appointed Mike Jones as Director of Software Engineering following a successful interim period. In his newly created role, Jones is responsible for driving transformation in the way that SIS produces software to underpin SIS’ diversifying and innovative product offering. Jones’ career in software development spans more than 30 years, including experience with major brands such as London Underground, Barclays, Logica, ABB

and Alstom. He joins the company from his latest role at Sony PlayStation. Working closely with SIS teams in London and Salford, Jones will be based at SIS’ headquarters in Milton Keynes. SIS Chief Executive Gary Smith welcomed Jones to the company and said he was eager to see him apply his many years’ experience in the field to help the diversification of SIS’ product suite. He added: “Mike’s wealth of experience within software will be

invaluable at an exciting time for the company when SIS is rolling out a number of innovative products to both the retail and online betting markets.” Mike Jones said: “I’m delighted to be joining such a forward-thinking, truly innovative company that boasts a rich heritage in the industry. I’ve had the good fortune to have sight of the innovative range of SIS products and services that are soon to be released and I can’t wait to help them be the best they can be.”

SIS bolsters senior leadership team




A masterful ride from Ryan Moore resulted in 13/8 favourite Highland Reel winning the King George VI & Queen

Elizabeth Stakes from Wings Of Desire (Frankie Dettori) at Ascot on July 23.

Moore took Highland Reel straight to the front, setting a steady pace before giving his mount a breather around

halfway. He kicked on again entering the straight and always had enough in reserve to repel the challenge of

Wings Of Desire by a length and a quarter. It was a second King George win for Moore and a fourth for trainer

Aidan O’Brien.

Picture: Mary Pitt

Moore’s Ascot Masterclass

SIS Stream rolls out in Sri Lanka SIS has broken new ground by bringing the company’s innovative SIS Stream platform to Sri Lanka for the first time. Launched with major operator Sporting Times, the deal will allow for customisable high definition content to be shown in shops through SIS’ low latency IPTV streaming network. In addition to SIS’ own IPTV channels, the flexible and fully scalable SIS Stream platform allows Sporting Times to distribute third party content to their retail estate.

The deal marks the first time the flexible SIS Stream platform will be utilised in Sri Lanka, and continues a two decade-long relationship between the two companies which began with satellite distribution in the early 1990s. SIS Commercial Director Paul Witten said: “We’re delighted to be able to bring SIS Stream to Sri Lanka for the first time through our long-term partners Sporting Times. “Our flexible, low latency IPTV service allows operators to offer shop content globally, even to

regions traditionally unreachable via other distribution methods.” A spokesperson from Sporting Times added: “We have been happy customers of SIS for over 20 years and we’re delighted to start a new chapter in our relationship. We can now offer even more content to our customers thanks to SIS’ innovative streaming platform. It’s a real game changer.” SIS Stream IPTV also offers operators the ability to tailor their content to specific regions, shops and even screens.




IN 2015, after long-term

involvement with the Bookmakers’

Trade Fair, organised by BOS

magazine, TVC took on the

responsibility of organising and

hosting the show. We were keen to

build on the success from previous

years, whilst maintaining the event’s

essence and tradition.

That essence and tradition of

the Bookmakers’ Trade Fair was very

important to us and regardless of

changes made to the event, we

were very conscious of retaining the

feel and atmosphere of the Trade

Fair whilst introducing new products

and software solutions. Our aim was

to demonstrate that our partners

and exhibitors can provide the

betting and gaming industry with

solutions that redefine, enhance and

increase productivity and

profitability for their business.

The TVC Trade Fair 2015

proved to be very successful with

exhibitors and delegates alike

commenting favourably. This was

backed by an 8 per cent increase in

visitors on the previous year.

The TVC Bookmakers’ Trade

Fair is one of the only exhibitions

available to the betting industry and

the only one aimed specifically at

the independent bookmaker. If a

supplier has a new product he wants

to showcase, or if a legislative body

has new information to broadcast,

or even if it is to check out what the

competition is doing, then this is a

great opportunity to do so.

As the only show aimed at

the independent bookmaker sector,

the industry can come together and

see all the latest products and

technology at one dedicated event.

The face of the betting and

gaming industry is constantly

changing with the increase of online

services, digital signage and

analytical solutions, mobile and

tablet and ever-changing software

solutions. It is for the independent

bookmakers to keep up-to-date with

the latest technology solutions

The TVC Bookmakers’ Trade

Fair attracts a range of

stand-holders, ranging from

suppliers of software systems,

screens, gaming machines and

terminals to furniture, security and

printing services, from regulatory

body the Gambling Commission to

industry organisations IBAS,

GAMCARE and the ABB.

This year we will be

welcoming back a large number of

previous exhibitors along with a

variety of new stands for 2016.

Although TVC are heavily involved in

the organisation of the TVC

Bookmakers’ Trade Fair we also

have our very own TVC exhibition

showcasing a wide range of the

latest technology solutions available

to the independent bookmaker.

Last year’s venue, Cranmore

Park, located on the outskirts of

Birmingham, received positive

feedback from both exhibitors and

visitors alike, therefore we

re-booked the same location for the

TVC Bookmakers’ Trade Fair 2016.

Cranmore Park is a purpose-built

exhibition centre centrally located in

the UK, with restaurant facilities and

up to 100 MBPS internet speed,

which is ideal for our industry

partners.

Following the show there will

be a further opportunity for

networking and after listening to

feedback from the previous event,

this will be held at a more local

venue allowing as many people as

possible to attend.

This year’s networking event

will be held in a private function

room at the Walkabout Bar and Grill

in Solihull. Starting at 5.30pm the

networking will provide a further

opportunity to catch up with both

potential customers and exhibitors

from the day event.

The private function room is

equipped with a private bar and a

buffet selection of hot food will be

supplied. Bookmakers can meet

with their industry peers and

exchange success stories and catch

up with old friends.

The show is free to attend

and, if you have not yet done so,

you can register for your event pass

at www.tvcevents.co.uk

Andy Greaves -

Head of Commercial Sales

Welcome to the TVC Bookmakers’ Trade Fair 2016


http://www.tvcevents.co.uk


BTC explains reasons for supporting TRP

THE BOOKMAKERS TECHNOLOGY CONSORTIUM will once again be taking a stand at the Bookmakers’ Trade Fair in Solihull.

“It’s an important event in the independent bookmakers’ calendar and we need to be there to meet people and talk through the services we provide,” explained Howard Chisholm, a director of BTC. “The stand will not be as large as in past years but we aim to showcase the new services that we are now offering.”

BTC were heavily involved in discussions with Arena Racing Company before the announcement of the setting up of The Racing Partnership channel (TRP). We asked Howard to explain the motives behind the BTC supporting this new channel when UK horseracing is already split across two channels and, to an uninformed observer, a third would seem excessive.

“There are some very good reasons why BTC supported the new channel for independents that ARC is setting up.” Howard explained. “At the moment the four major bookmakers have their own channels and can determine what content they carry and can mix content from different suppliers in a unified manner. This is not the case with the independent sector. Independents must take two channels, SIS FACTS and Turf TV, and can not mix these into one channel – we do not have the studio capability and both suppliers have made it very clear in the past that they are unwilling to allow a group of independent bookmakers to mix their content in a unified service.

“But it is even worse than that, for not only must we take the two separate channels, we have no influence whatsoever over the content which is carried on those channels or the cost of that content.

Indeed, as we have recently learned, the content that is bundled on FACTS is agreed with the majors and then forced on us to spread the cost over more shops, effectively getting the independent sector to subsidise the majors. Turf TV have always had a charging structure which favours the large chains – ironic since those large chains operate the most profit-able shops which can afford to pay more than the small bookmaker – so the independent sector is at a significant commercial disadvantage to the major bookmakers.” HOW WILL INDEPENDENTS COPE with yet another channel?

“At the moment it appears that Turf TV will cease in April 2018, so there will only be a third racing channel for around 18 months. Independent bookmakers are now very familiar with having multiple video channels in their shops; SIS FACTS, SIS+, Turf TV, SKY, BTsport, virtual channels and freeview are now available to some extent in all betting shops. Indeed, many shops are already running with three racing channels, FACTS, SIS+ and Turf TV, so the addition of another channel is not a problem. The major difficulty is the control of audio in the shops and there are technical solutions to this which allow the mixing of audio from three or more sources into a single output.” WE ASKED HOWARD to explain the difference between TRP and the incumbent channels.

“The major difference is that independent bookmakers, via the BTC, are dealing directly with the racecourses, the suppliers of the content. There are no middle men to take a margin or take decisions on our behalf without consultation. BTC have an agreement with ARC whereby they will consult with the BTC Board before any new content is added to the service, if the BTC

Board does not agree to the terms offered then the content will not be added. This is a new way of operating and is already proving very productive.”

We wondered how the TRP channel would be supported in-shop. Howard replied “BTC are ready to support the TRP channel and have the data feed available for both EPOS and screen systems. We will be displaying the betting on the BTC screen system for all TRP content – individual bookmakers should check with their suppliers to ensure this is the case in their shops. BTC will also be making arrangement to supply an in-shop audio mixing solution to ensure the best possible presentation of the content available in each shop.” OBVIOUSLY, TRP HAS BEEN the focus of the BTC’s efforts during the past couple of months, but what about the other developments of note that BTC were progressing?

“We are in the final testing phase of a virtual product which we have developed with Inspired Gaming and which we will have on display at the Bookmakers Trade Fair,” Howard responded. “This is a multiple channel system which allows an independent bookmaker to provide Bingo on a single channel and virtual racing on another. All bets are accepted through the standard tills and no separate back office is required. We have designed a marksense betting slip for the Bingo which makes taking bets quick and efficient.” BTC WILL BE DEMOSTRATING a customer WiFi solution at the Bookmakers’ Trade Fair. We asked Howard how this works.

“BTC have become authorised resellers for Purple WiFi, the leading supplier of guest WiFi services. As resellers we are able to provide solutions at considerable



discount to the standard retail price. The system involves installing a secure ‘Access Point’ in the betting shop which then allows customers access to the internet – but in a very controlled way. Customers can sign in using their Facebook, Twitter and other social media accounts or

complete a simple sign on form. There is a portal for the bookmaker to then get reports on usage of the system. The BTC Purple WiFi system is a very cost effective way to engage with the next generation of customers.”

FINALLY, IT’S WORTH NOTING that both David Pluck Bookmakers and Stan James UK shops have both recently taken up the BTC data feed and now over 500 shops in the UK are taking services from BTC. That’s around two thirds of the independent sector.

SG Gaming confirms Corbett contract extension SG Gaming has been awarded a four-year contract extension with Corbett Bookmakers after a long and successful, mutually-beneficial relationship with the independent bookmaker. Under the agreement, SG Gaming’s field-based engineering team upgraded 103 terminals in 27 shops over a period of six weeks in June and July with the company’s HD Infinity terminal, bringing the total number of Infinity terminals to 203 across Corbett Bookmakers’ 53-shop estate. As part of the agreement, Corbett Bookmakers will also benefit from training, marketing and operational support provided by SG Gaming’s account management team, ensuring each

Corbett shop can unlock the full potential of the new terminals. Commenting on the announcement, Phil Horne, Chief Executive Officer of SG Gaming, said: “We are thrilled Corbett has decided to extend their contract with us, securing our partnership for another four years. The new terminal upgrade combined with our great content enables the Corbett estate to benefit from SG Gaming’s full service offering. “Our relationship with Corbett has been a huge success, with this extension bringing our work together to more than 10 years. “SG Gaming created a tailored offer of terminals, content and support for the independent LBO sector and this has been

instrumental to the success of this partnership.” On the decision to extend the deal, Michael Corbett, Managing Director of Corbett Bookmakers, commented, “The innovative HD Infinity terminal, operational, training and account support SG Gaming provides are pivotal to our gaming machine business and are key drivers behind our decision to extend. “As our sole machine supplier, we look forward to working with SG Gaming to grow our partnership over the next four years and together focusing on continuing to help drive our gaming machine performance.”

Tempobet has signed a deal to become the principal partner and shirt sponsor of Burton Albion Football Club for the 2016/17 season. The deal, which is the biggest in the club’s 66-year history, sees the online sportsbook’s logo adorn the first team shirt in their debut season in the English Championship. Adult supporters’ shirts will also carry the Tempobet branding, whilst those worn by junior fans will feature the Burton Albion Community Trust in the sponsor’s position.

Tempobet managing director Mark Clayton said: “We’re delighted to partner with Burton Albion, a progressive club who match our ambitions to challenge on the big stage. “English football is a pivotal part of our business and our agreement with Burton gives us with a great platform to present our products to a wider audience.” Burton Albion commercial director, Fleur Robinson, said: “It was very important for us to find the right sponsorship deal at this key moment in the club’s development

and we are delighted to have signed up to the biggest sponsorship deal in Burton Albion’s history with Tempobet. “I am also delighted that Tempobet has agreed that our charity, Burton Albion Community Trust, will feature on the shirts of our junior fans, which will highlight the amazing work BACT does, especially with young people. “I’m sure that our partnership with Tempobet will be a major benefit to both parties and we look forward to working with them over the course of the 2016/2017 season.”

Tempobet strikes Burton Albion sponsorship deal




Never ones to let the grass grow

under their feet, it looks like 2016

has been another year of develop-

ment and change for the guys at

2DB.

“You would think that not much ever

happens in the world of display

systems,” commented Craig Stock,

one of the directors responsible for

the company’s renowned Genus

display system product, “but we

seem to be perpetually busy devel-

oping new products and improving

the existing ones.

“Most significantly, this year has

seen a steady progression of

customers moving their Genus

Central Site operations out of their

head offices and into the Cloud. In

fact, we now have only a handful of

customers left who host their own

Genus servers on-site. Of course,

Cloud hosting is not necessarily the

right solution for all customers, but it

certainly seems to work for the

majority, especially the smaller

organisations who rely on the many

automated features in Genus and

who are keen to keep a tight control

on their operating costs.

“We’ve also spent much of the year

responding to requests from

customers to optimise and refine

their display pages still further and to

add new features and content –

which of course we’re happy to do.

The financial constraints on

operating betting shops seem to be

ever-increasing and we see it as an

important part of the service we give

to ensure that our customers

continue to get the best possible

value from their Genus systems.

“This year we’ve also focussed a lot of our R&D effort on successfully integrating IPTV into Genus. In fact, we recently launched a new product called Genus Cloud specifically designed to integrate a variety of live TV streams and supporting ‘text pages’ into one or more fully controllable compact single-screen displays. Genus Cloud is currently targeted at the international market, where satellite-based TV channels for betting shops are far less prevalent than in the UK, but you never know what will happen in the future – dish and decoder costs are prohibitive and they’re inconvenient to install, so if a new subscription IPTV channel does ever emerge in the UK then we have the perfect low-cost product to go with it. “In addition to IPTV products, we’re

also launching an improved Genus

Informer product which enhances

the way our display systems monitor

themselves and dynamically report

any operational or content issues to

a central support control system. We

believe that this product will

revolutionise the general

maintenance of our systems in shops

and substantially reduce the number

of on-site support visits needed to

sustain an estate of our systems over

their entire product lifetime.”

The 2DB stand is sure to be popular

at this year’s Bookmakers’ Trade

Fair. Says Craig: “The Bookmakers’

Trade Fair is something that we’re

always keen to support, although we

tend to regard it as the primary

networking event of the year that’s

specific to the UK betting industry.

For us, it’s not really a sales

opportunity and in our experience

virtually no-one is there with a

specific purchasing decision in mind.

Most visitors are simply browsing to

see if anything grabs their attention.

Having said that, exhibiting at last

year’s show did pay dividends as it

eventually led to the sale of over a

hundred Genus systems to a new

customer based in Asia, but with

strong connections to the UK

industry. This was probably a ‘one

off’ but, with any luck, something

similar will happen again this year!”

For further information on Genus,

or any other 2DB products, please

contact Angelo Sanzone on

[email protected] or visit

www.2DB.com

2DB in the Clouds


The Injured Jockeys Fund’s new rehabilitation and fitness centre in Newmarket, to be situated at the British Racing School, will be called Peter O’Sullevan House.

The project has been given a substantial opening grant from The Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust, set up to raise funds for racing and other important animal charities. Peter O’Sullevan House will have

state-of-the-art rehabilitation and fitness facilities as well as housing the IJF head office. Development work will begin in late 2016 and the centre is scheduled to open in 2018.

IJF rehab centre named for O’Sullevan

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.2db.com


Cranmore Park Conference Centre, Shirley, Solihull, B90 4LF on Thursday, October 27, 10.30am-4.30pm.

Free parking.

TVC will be hosting a networking event following the show in a private function room with bar at the

Walkabout, 6-24 Poplar Road, Solihull, B91 3AB starting at 5.30pm.

This event will provide more opportunities to catch up with both potential customers and exhibitors from

the day’s event.

The room is equipped with its own bar and a buffet selection of hot food will be available.

TVC Bookmakers’ Trade Fair Catalogue

2DB Contact: Angelo Sanzone Tel: +44 (0)1707 661063 Mobile: +44 (0)7850 104936 Email: [email protected] Website: www.2db.com We work with big name brands around the world, developing advanced digital display solutions with real business benefits. Our clients trust us and keep coming back for more. We’re best known for the “unrivalled” GENUS multi-screen display system and there’s plenty more effective innovation and development where that came from. GENUS was designed and developed by 2DB to provide cost effective advanced screen display technology to the bookmaking industry. It has become the “unrivalled” benchmark and system of choice for leading betting brands in the UK and around the world. GENUS enables the use of flicker-free, low cost flat VGA screens (instead of TV monitors) at high quality resolution. Fitting out a shop with 20 screens saves around £2,000 per shop and allows for more screens to be added later if required.

49’s Contact: Jemma Hollingsworth Tel: 0207 734 4901 Email: [email protected] Website: www.49s.co.uk 49’s Ltd has supplied the betting industry with fixed odds betting products for 20 years, both in the UK and internationally. 49’s fixed odds betting product range includes: – 49’s The Twice Daily Draw – Irish Lotto Bet – Virtual Horse & Greyhound Racing – RAPIDO Our “flagship” product is the twice daily 49’s Draw, which has been available since 1996. It is now being broadcast to our UK and international customers with our very own live presenters. Also included in 49’s product range is the very popular Irish Lotto Bet every Wednesday and Saturday, along with Virtual Horse Racing (Portman Park, Steeple Downs & Sprint Valley) and Virtual Greyhound (Brushwood & Millersfield) brands that are widely available to bet on throughout the day. You can keep yourself up-to-date with what’s happening with 49’s and its products wherever you are, including when you are on the move, via our website and free App called ’49’s Results’.

ABB Contact: Peter Craske Tel: 0207 434 2111 Mobile: 07714 491069 Email: [email protected] Website: www.abb.uk.com The Association of British Bookmakers is the trade organisation for the UK’s betting shops, which have been trading on the high street for over 50 years. As one of the UK’s leading leisure retail sectors, bookmakers serve over eight million customers, employ over 40,000 people and contribute over £3bn to the UK’s economy. Our membership ranges from major national operators to single, family-run businesses and, collectively, we represent 80 per cent of the sector. They include four out of the largest five operators: William Hill, Ladbrokes, Gala Coral and Paddy Power. ABB members work to the high standards of responsible gambling set out in our Code. The ABB promotes and represents the industry to decision makers and in the media, and is responsible for making submissions to the Government or Gambling Commission on matters affecting shops. We keep our members updated with industry developments, including through regular newsletters and weekly updates. The Safe Bet Alliance, introduced in 2010, has helped make betting shops as safe and secure for staff and customers as possible. The initiative has won awards and been endorsed by the Association of Chief Police Offices as an example of an industry coming together with the police and other partners to tackle a problem.

A Bet A Technology Contact: Debbie Hardman Tel: 01420 549988 Email: [email protected] Website: www.abeta.co.uk A Bet A is a leading supplier of betting systems in the UK, Ireland, and Worldwide. We supply retail/EPOS, call centre, and online bookmaking operations. Founded in 1990, as a specialist provider of betting transactional systems, A Bet A are innovative, forward looking, and responsive to customer needs and industry developments; always providing new functionality to keep the bookmaker ahead of the game. A Bet A services a worldwide customer base, providing robust, reliable, and cost effective leading edge products.







TVC Bookmakers’ Trade Fair Catalogue

Once you become an A Bet A customer you receive ongoing support: we help you to get the best from your product, providing help, advice, problem solving, and system upgrades. A Bet A products help the bookmaker cut operating costs and improve trading margins. Whether you are a small operator or a large chain, A Bet A solutions can make you more profitable.

Best Gaming Technology Contact: Chris Newell Tel: +44 (0)7818 054704 Email: [email protected] Website: www.best-gaming.com BGT is at the vanguard of retail technology in the wagering industry and leads the way as an innovator and provider of sport betting services worldwide. Established partners can integrate their own pricing feeds and liability management practices into our system. Alternatively, partners can operate our turnkey service without any previous bookmaking experience. BGT is able to provide comprehensive sports coverage that will satisfy any sports bettor. Our products evolve with our customers, and this approach serves as the basis for innovation and continued development for our cross-platform solution. We extended our retail service with the addition of two new channels, web and mobile, which enable partners to easily expand their offering. By using the BGT platform with its cutting-edge technology and differentiation, increased revenue per customer is easily achieved. Keep up with a fast-paced industry by partnering with the premier provider of sports betting solutions for the retail market and then add our remote services when the time is right.

Betting Business Contact: Mark Brown Tel: 01257 277400 Email: [email protected] Website: www.betting-business.co.uk Betting Business interactive is a high-quality b2b monthly print and digital publication which covers both the betting and iGaming interactive sectors. The publication provides a rich source of news, analysis, editorials and commentary featuring the leading companies and thought leaders across the industry. The monthly combined print and digital circulation has increased during 2015 to 18,412 across 132 jurisdictions, targeting influencers from iGaming operator companies spanning the globe.

BizTech Software Contact: Lauren Toal Tel: +44 (0)289 581 1427 Email: [email protected] Website: www.biztechsoftware.co.uk BizTech’s Arkle is a next generation betting EPOS, acceptance, and settling solution for your betting shop. It is designed to secure and

streamline your betting shop and take care of all your needs – from bet acceptance, security, to reporting and tax returns. Arkle is built on modern .NET 4.5 Framework Technologies and SQL Server. Key features: • Remote editing – cut costs – edit bets from any computer, even when off site. • Central field book – see your liabilities and alerts in real time across your entire estate. • Live security – real time security alerts allow you to take action before expensive payouts are processed. • Screen integration – 2DB/MRG Intelligent bet sip editor: ArklePOS is already the fastest bet slip editor on the market. Its ability to remote edit between shops spreads the load across the bookmaker’s estate, thus saving on staff costs while increasing customer service. Robustness and uptime: ArklePOS will keep trading even when a shop’s server is down, meaning bookmakers can still serve their customers and scan bets. Marksense: Fast Marksense processing. Full suite of Marksense coupons, across all sports. Tote Betting: Allows your customers to place bets direct into tote pools via tills, including Placepots and Scoop 6. Text SMS/email betting: Allows your customers to send bets on the go from their mobile direct to your shop or head office. All in One screen: Horse Racing all in one – includes jockey silks, fully customisable. Data feed integration: Includes all SIS & Turf TV data and virtual content. Price providers (Toals, Bar One Racing, Super Soccer, Bet Byrne). Account statements with credit card integration for withdrawal and deposits. In shop debit/credit account betting, without a full call centre. Central risk management: Managing your estate-wide running liabilities from head office. Call over: Allows the customer to call over a bet which staff can directly input into the system, and the customer receives a receipt with potential returns.

Bookmakers Technology Consortium Contact: Howard Chisholm Tel: 01670 813388 Email: [email protected] Website: www.btc.uk.com The BTC’s objective is to assist independent bookmakers in the procurement and operation of new technology, on the basis of best of breed solutions on beneficial commercial terms. Membership is open to any independent bookmaker based in the UK or Ireland. The consortium uses the joint buying power of all the members to negotiate advantageous deals with suppliers. All members are then able to take advantage of these deals. The consortium primarily operates as a facilitator not as a service company.

BTech AV Mounts Contact: Matt Nixon Tel: 0844 800 0445 Email: [email protected] Website: www.btechavmounts.com






Established in 1972, B-Tech continues to invest heavily in research and development to ensure that our range of audio video mounting solutions meets all your requirements as an installer and an end user. B-Tech’s System X range specialises in mounting mul-tiple screens in horizontal or vertical banks to give the perfect secure and seamless information display. All products are designed and engineered at our international head office located in central England. Our international network of offices and regional stocking distributors truly enhances B-Tech Audio Video Mounts as the worldwide leader in audio video mounting solutions.

Espresso Essential Contact: Mike Phelan Tel: 0800 731 2980 Email: [email protected] Website: www.espressoessential.co.uk As part of the Essential Brands Group, Espresso Essential started in Australia before expanding worldwide and reaching the UK in 2004. There are now thousands of our automatic coffee machines serving tens of thousands of delicious coffees around the globe. Espresso Essential prides itself on the quality of its products, service and people and aims to exceed the expectations of its customers before, during and after the initial sale of its real bean coffee machines and consumables. Customers come to appreciate the quality of Espresso Essential’s automatic coffee machines which are durable, reliable and perform exceptionally. This is due to their Italian design and build. Furthermore, you will not find these machines elsewhere. With three patents granted and a further three filed, at Espresso Essential we are constantly looking to provide our customers with improved designs and even better tasting coffee. To ensure prompt, reliable delivery of products and service, Espresso Essential has developed UK wide service and sales teams, so its customers are never without support. We hold stocks of machines in the UK and can deliver and install your coffee vending machine with 48 hours’ notice.

Gambling Commission Contact: James Cook Tel: 0121 230 6700 Email: [email protected] Website: www.gamblingcommission.gov.co.uk The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate commercial gambling in Great Britain in partner-ship with licensing authorities. We also regulate the National Lottery under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993. We are an independent non departmental public body (NDPB) sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). On 1 November 2014 the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014 came into force. This Act requires any operator wishing to transact with, or advertise to, consumers in Britain to obtain an operating licence from the Gambling Commission. We have over 250 employees, mostly based at our offices in Birmingham, including around 40 home-based colleagues working across England, Scotland, and Wales. Our work is funded by fees set by DCMS and paid by the

organisations and individuals we license, and, in respect of National Lottery functions, by a grant from the National Lottery Distribution Fund.

IBAS Contact: Sharon Powell Tel: 0207 347 5883 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ibas-uk.com By its nature, volume and, nowadays, its complexity, gambling is bound to generate disputes. The UK gambling industry turns over in excess of £50 billion per year, and in common with any part of the retail or leisure sector, requires high-quality customer service standards. An essential element of this is the provision to gambling operators and their customers of a quick and effective means for resolving disputes. To resolve a dispute in an effective and credible manner requires the involvement of an authoritative and independent third party. That is where the Independent Betting Adjudication Service comes into the equation. IBAS is a non-statutory organisation, set up in 1998 and charged with the delivery of authoritative adjudications to the betting industry. IBAS received the public endorsement of the Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office and the approval of the trade associations. Before IBAS, the options for a betting consumer who perceived that their bet had not been correctly settled were very limited. For off-course bets the only option was the Green Seal Service provided by the Sporting Life newspaper. For on-course bets a limited service is provided by Tattersalls’ Committee. Both of these were conceived in an earlier era and were unsuited to provide effective adjudication to the modern day betting consumer. IBAS’s existence is due to the recognition of the betting industry of a need to provide better services to their customers. Legal endorsement of this approach arrived in 2007 with the commencement of the Gambling Commission as regulator of the commercial gambling industry.

Inspired Gaming Contact: Jeannette La Tel: +44 (0)207 438 5800 Email: [email protected] Website: www.inspiredgaminggroup.com Inspired is committed to helping to limit the number of problem gamblers, whilst at the same time preserving the enjoyment of those who choose to gamble for entertainment. As a leading provider of Server-Based Video Lottery products, Inspired Gaming Group is dedicated to making sure that the protection of the vulnerable is paramount when developing new technology and games. Due to Inspired’s Open SBG/VLT Core™ technology, new responsible gaming software can be deployed quickly via the network, and operators and regulators can segment data by any criteria, for example by game, machine, player, average stake, or time on device. Inspired only operates in regulated markets and we work closely with government regulators and customers in each of the countries to protect those at risk of problem gambling, we do this via:

TVC Bookmakers’ Trade Fair Catalogue (Continued)



TVC Bookmakers’ Trade Fair Catalogue (Continued) Fairness: Using systems that are secure and regulated and by ensuring that all our content and platforms are independently tested

Transparency: Ensuring that the RTP (return to player) is accessible in help pages

Funding: By providing financial contributions to a variety of charitable gambling organisations who are committed to researching, preventing and treating problem gambling in the countries that we operate in

Research and development: Sharing data to help understand the causes of problem gambling and to create world leading player protection software Education: Providing clear guidance to our employees, customers and the public regarding signs of problem gambling, who to contact for help, and intervention advice where appropriate.

Manny Bernstein Contact: Tony Nicholls Tel: 0800 821821 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mannybernstein.co.uk Manny Bernstein Bookmakers were established in 1977 and quickly grew to become a respected name in the betting industry. They became one of the leading suppliers of Early/Ante post prices to independent bookmakers, and by having a full understanding of a bookmaker’s hedging requirements also became one of the biggest layers to the trade. In addition, the credit betting side of the business also grew to substantial levels. The company expanded to in excess of 30 betting shops in the Midlands and East Yorkshire areas. When racecourse pitches became available to purchase at auction, Manny Bernstein purchased 25 pitches at all the top courses in prime positions on the rails. In 2002 Manny Bernstein Bookmakers sold the betting shops and racecourse pitches and concentrated their full efforts on the services offered to independent bookmakers: an early price service and a first class hedging service. In 2006 Manny Bernstein Credit Betting and Early Price Service was purchased by the Don Noble Group. The Don Noble Group have been established since the legalisation of betting in 1963 and operate a long established local credit betting business, 9 betting shops in the Lincolnshire area, and a property portfolio. Manny Bernstein was re-located from its Leicester base to state of the art offices in Louth, Lincolnshire and has continued to enhance the service to bookmakers.

Marlborough Bookshop Contact: Rupert Mackeson Tel: 01934 613996 The Marlborough bookshop and sporting gallery will have for sale a big selection of racing books, memorabilia such as cuff links, pin badges and also prints priced from £12 to £120. A visit will solve many Christmas present problems.

MRG Systems Contact: Ian Hunter Tel: 01453 820840

Mobile: 07967 752793 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mrgsystems.co.uk Over the years our systems have been used in many diverse markets, from banking, betting and broadcasting to education, retail and transport. Most recently YouTube installed the LiveSpace digital signage system to manage their public facing screens at their new offices in London. At the Trade Fair we have new independent products that work for the big high street chains but are ready for your shops right now. These cost-effective products add new interest, more features and provide a better customer experience. They give customers more reasons to stay in the shop, resulting in increased sales and improved loyalty. Visit the MRG stand to experience solutions used by world-class companies.

Optima Contact: Jamie Maskey Tel: +44 (0)7723 580517 Email: [email protected] Website: www.optimaonline.es Optima has acquired full intellectual property rights to the GTECH MarginMaker sports betting and gaming platform and is a licensed B2B supplier of turnkey sports betting and gaming solutions under its Malta licences. Optima’s management team has many years’ experience working on the senior management teams of successful online gaming operators and offers this knowledge as an inclusive part of design-ing and implementing solutions for partners. We continue to invest in efficient, innovative and solid technology, product and service to keep partners at the forefront of the industry with a global reach. Above all else, Optima prides itself on a straightforward and honest approach to business. To discuss your business requirements further, please contact us on [email protected] to arrange a meeting. We have a new way of thinking.

Prestige Seating Technology Contact: Stephen Treharne Tel: 0191 456 6209 Email: [email protected] Website: www.pstseating.com Prestige Seating Technology is Europe’s leading supplier to the leisure industry of chromium and brass plated metal furniture. Worldwide, many prestigious bars, nightclubs, discotheques, casinos and other leisure establishments have benefited from the company’s high quality furniture. The revolutionary self-levelling, self-returning gas lifts can be fitted to all stem chairs. Most of the chairs can be fitted with a swivel or a self-return swivel. The company also pride themselves in manufacturing bespoke chairs to customers’ specified designs. Every detail of every P.S.T chair has been carefully designed and tested to provide the optimal casino experience for the player. P.S.T chairs are ergonomic and engineered for comfort, with exceptional attention to detail paid to every aspect of the chair, from the seat back and bottom to the frame and footrest. This relentless attention to detail and quality means that P.S.T chairs are more comfortable and durable, which translates to more “time on device” – a true measurement of success for every casino.




CONTENDERS FOR THE title of SIS/Racing Post Betting Shop Manager of the Year 2016 are gradually being whittled down. The finalists have once again been split into eight regions, all bidding to take over from current Betting Shop Manager of the Year Matt Howe of Ladbrokes.

The final stage will see the eight regional champions, alongside their deputy managers, attend a panel interview the day before the awards ceremony at the Jumeriah Carlton Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge, London on November 21.

SIS and Racing Post are once again joint sponsors of the Betting Shop Manager of the Year competition, which celebrates an industry that is vital to both the local and national economy, supporting close to 40,000 full time jobs in the UK alone.

A VIP trip of a lifetime to Singapore is one of the highlights to be awarded to the eventual winner.

Nigel Boardman of SIS, said: “The awards have always been a celebration of the British and Irish bookmaking industry, and we can’t wait to continue the storied tradition by crowning a new winner

in November.” The SIS/Racing Post Betting

Shop Manager of the Year is a celebration of the British and Irish bookmaking industry, and has been a can’t-miss date on the fixture list for more than 30 years. Managers from the independent sector are thin on the ground this year, but congratulations to Enda Carey of Bar One in Galway and Richard Ditchburn of Chisholm Bookmakers’ Gateshead shop for having made it through to the latter stages.

TVC Bookmakers’ Trade Fair Catalogue (Continued)

SG Gaming Contact: Karen Booth Tel: +44 (0)161 684 6729 Mobile: +44 (0)7584 472542 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sg-gaming.com SG Gaming, a division of Scientific Games Corporation, is a leading provider of gaming solutions for the licensed betting office, arcade and bingo sectors in the UK. Working in partnership with our customers, we deliver leading content and technology that help to drive cash box performance for operators. Our business supplies hardware solutions across gaming and sports betting and offers unparalleled service and support throughout the UK. SG Gaming brought together the heritage and experience of Barcrest, one of the UK’s leading content and hardware developers and The Global Draw, who pioneered the introduction of B2/B3 gaming machines into the UK Licensed Betting Office sector. This combined expertise and experience produces gaming solutions that are designed to exceed our customers’ expectations. As a leading provider of gaming and retail solutions we offer:

Cutting edge, networked HD gaming terminals with the latest

technology enhancements

Advanced server-based platform with real-time reporting and on terminal promotional functionality

Leading content titles developed under the Barcrest, WMS and Bally gaming brands

Flexible sports betting hardware and retail technology solutions

Dedicated account management, marketing and field support with a 7 days a week helpdesk

TVC Technology Solutions Contact: Andy Greaves Tel: 01204 395999 Mobile: 07810 865802 Email: [email protected] Website: wwc.uk.com TVC will be showcasing the latest technology innovations available to the betting and gaming industry. As a betting industry leader, TVC aim to provide all the tools required to create the betting shop of the future. Visit the TVC stand during the show to see a range of exciting products available to you today!


BizTech’s Arkle is a next generation betting EPOS, acceptance, and settling solution for your betting shop. It is designed to secure and streamline your betting shop and take care of all your needs – from bet acceptance, security, to reporting and tax returns.

Arkle is built on modern .NET 4.5 Framework Technologies and SQL Server. Modules include fast slip editing, mark sense slips, text betting, account betting, placing bets direct into tote pools, live security and shop statistics, remote editing and much more.

Arkle is currently installed in over 250 shops and is integrated with MRG and 2DB screen display systems. We pride ourselves on our uptime. Please feel free to call by our stand for a demo.

Arkle: Ahead of the field

Counting down to BSMOTY 2016



AT THE TIME of writing this piece the Rio Olympics have just ended and our athletes have just touched down at Heathrow. And what a fantastic performance from Team GB, winning more medals than at London 2012.

One of the snippets we learned from the coverage is that since the London Olympics many GB trainers and team coaches have adopted the concept of “the accumulation of marginal gains” developed by Sir David Brailsford, formerly the performance director of British Cycling. Whilst there is no comparison with the herculean efforts made by our Olympians, the screen technologies and software development MRG employs have also relentlessly advanced in terms of their all-round capabilities. The accelerated improvement in

technology in recent years now provides very different products and solutions compared to just a few years ago.

Off-the-shelf hardware solutions have transformed the industry. PC technology does more, does it faster and connects to more devices. Couple that to the advances taking place within the software development world and screen solutions are smarter, cheaper and simpler to use than ever before.

If you are visiting the Trade Fair in Solihull on October 27, MRG can show you the new independent products that work for the big high street chains but which can also be installed in any shop right now. These products add new interest, more features and provide a better customer experience. They give customers more reasons to stay in

the shop, resulting in increased sales and improved loyalty.

The DailyForm touchscreen form guide is now a mini PC and a touchscreen monitor for just £420 plus a small monthly data charge. It provides customers with all the racing form to explore before they make their betting decisions. Giving customers a way to make better decisions helps to reinforce their loyalty.

This year MRG introduced LiveSpace, a system that drives the peripheral screen systems in a shop. Whether that is the digital signage in your windows and behind the desk, All-in-One screens or digital versions of the racing papers on the walls, LiveSpace adds eye-catching displays for you to promote your best deals and push future events. Scalable, it’s easy to tap into new features and


More information, better displays and even better prices


build a comprehensive solution that addresses every aspect of information display and advertising you need to increase your success. All of these are offered with the option to spread the costs, making it unbeatable value.

Not convinced? Let us tell you about the latest LiveSpace installation MRG delivered in August. YouTube Spaces is a new service provided by YouTube at its new offices in Kings Cross, London. All thirty-two of the outward facing

window screens and the array of 75-inch screens on an internal wall run LiveSpace digital signage, displaying over 150 concurrent videos. So whatever you need, MRG will deliver exciting solutions to en-liven any shop.

MRG want you to enjoy the benefits of LiveSpace so our prices start at £20 per month for a licence to connect to the Cloud service. We make the process as quick and simple as possible so you could be up and running in days.

Ring Darren Macdonald or Ian Hunter on 01453 820840 for a chat about your aims and how MRG will help you to achieve the best results for your business.

MRG have been involved in a number of very exciting projects recently and have lots to share, so connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter @MRGsystems for the latest news and developments.


Inspired bought by Hydra Virtual sports and betting terminal specialist Inspired Gaming Group has been sold to acquisition vehicle Hydra Industries for £200m. Private equity firm Vitruvian Partners confirmed the sale, which follows its £270m April sale of betting tech provider OpenBet to NYX Gaming Group. Vitruvian will receive an initial cash payment of £100m, with the

remainder payable in Hydra shares, leaving Vitruvian with a 35 per cent Inspired stake. When the deal closes, Inspired will be renamed Inspired Entertainment. Hydra’s founder, former Scientific Games CEO Lorne Weill, will become Inspired’s executive chairman when the deal completes. Inspired founder and CEO Luke Alvarez will continue in the role and

take a seat on the new Inspired board. Weill said Hydra had been “searching for a compelling business that utilises our skill set to drive growth.” He said Hydra would use Inspired “as a platform for potential opportunistic acquisitions of synergistic businesses across a number of geographies.”

Northern Ireland's largest independent bookmaker BetMcLean, which has more than 60 retail shops, has upgraded its digital operation with the help of Optima.

CEO Paul McLean said: “We are very pleased to be partnering with Optima; their software platform has

an excellent reputation in terms of performance and scalability, together with a very rich set of professional bookmaking tools and features, and with all of the integrated services that will allow us to offer an excellent product to our customers.”

Optima CEO and founder Jacob Curciel added: “We will work hard to assure that BetMcLean has the technology and products to achieve their objective of leading the Northern Ireland market, delivering the best and most enjoyable customer experience across all channels.”

Optima in BetMcLean deal

Best Gaming Technology (BGT), who will be exhibiting for the first time at this year’s TVC Bookmakers’ Trade Fair, has expanded its ties with JenningsBet via a new three-year deal to provide a further 40 SSBTs to the bookmaker.

BGT managing director John Pettit said: “JenningsBet were one of the first UK operators to see the vast potential of the product and we have worked very closely over the years to get to this stage.”

JenningsBet counterpart Julian Knight added: “Our aim is to be at the forefront of SSBTs to ensure our customers receive the ultimate sports betting experience and we will undoubtedly achieve this through our partnership with BGT.”

BGT extends JenningsBet link




Phil Horne, Chief Executive Officer of SG Gaming, recognises the importance of supporting independ-ent bookmakers with a fully integrat-ed offering. Independent betting shops are an essential part of the British betting office landscape, and operators are a vital part of the industry, supporting jobs and offering players greater choice on the high street. Like their competitors and major high street bookmakers, independent operators have a need for state of the art terminals, exciting content titles that help to drive cashbox and a flexible, adaptable and reliable platform.

SG Gaming takes great pride

in tailoring its products and services to the independent sector. It’s one of the reasons we provide a one stop shop service – offering terminals, content, service and support all in one place. It’s also what makes SG Gaming a leading supplier to the UK independent LBO sector.

The right product is the cornerstone to any machine gaming environment and this year we’ve seen agreements with independent operators to upgrade their estates to SG Gaming’s Infinity terminal. The Infinity delivers the latest in advanced gaming technology and platform functionality; with its dual HD game screens and interactive button it provides operators with the tools required to operate in today’s competitive market.

Equally important is our ex-tensive and growing portfolio of leading content titles developed under the Barcrest, WMS and Bally gaming brands. We offer both licensed and non-licensed games, ranging from classic titles such as Key Bet Roulette and Rainbow Riches to new slots games such as Hercules. Our content library includes titles with new features and menus to keep up with the changing needs of players and the functionality of cabinets.

We understand the important role of independent

operators to the industry, which is why we have a comprehensive support package in place that helps operators to take advantage of all the same opportunities as their larger rivals.

Our account management team’s ongoing support is a key part of this package — whether you have one shop or a large estate, our approach is consistent with customers having access to an account manager with access to a wide range of resources. These include analytics and training support, and marketing promotions which enable us to work in partnership with our customers to maximise the performance of their terminals.

SG Gaming’s seven day a week helpdesk and field engineering support comes into play when our customers need instant technical support. This support is particularly important for operators, as it provides technical support across the UK and limits machine downtime, ensuring their machine gaming business operates to its full potential.

We value our new and longstanding relationships with the independent LBO sector. That’s why we continue to improve our one stop shop offering, ensuring it meets the needs of the independent sector.

One stop shop offering to independent sector

SG Gaming has recently unveiled new additions to its innovative content library. Hercules High and Mighty is a new £500 jackpot game, available across the LBO, Arcade and Bingo sectors. Building on the successful Colossal Reels concept, it has up to 100

paylines active for all stakes, and features vertical Mighty Reels that are played on both game screens and activated when the Hercules symbol is revealed on any reel. For poker players, SG Gaming has released the new high stakes Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em. This new

LBO title is based on SG’s Shuffle Master table game. Players compete head to head against the dealer, with in-play bets available of up to four times the ante. Additionally, the Trips side bet feature allows players to win up to 50 times their stake.

SG Gaming’s new game titles


ABB: self-exclusion working well The Association of British Bookmakers believes a new national self-exclusion policy for betting shops is working well and will provide improved data on problem gambling. With 1,200 people having used the scheme, PR manager Peter Craske said: “One of the benefits of the new system is that it should provide a

more accurate figure for the total number of people self-excluding. Previously, one person excluding from 10 different shops would be recorded as 10 different exclusions, whereas now they will be counted as one person.” He added: “Customers have said that they appreciate being able to exclude from a number of shops

with just one phone call, compared to having to go to each operator or shop, one after another...We continually review our responsible gambling processes. We will be looking at learnings as the system beds in to inform next steps in this

area.”

The Bookmakers’ Trade Fair is

important for the Association of

British Bookmakers (ABB) as it is a

chance to catch up with many of our

independent members, and hear

directly about the challenges they are

facing at the moment.

The insight of our independent

members helps shape the briefings

we provide when meeting Ministers

or the Gambling Commission.

We never forget that our independent

members are businesses who have

been serving customers and

communities for many years, and too

often, the smaller operators are

overlooked by regulators and it is

part of our job to make sure their

voice is heard.

Since last year’s Trade Fair, we’ve:

Run a training session for

independent members on the

new Self Exclusion scheme

Held a successful Gamble Aware

Week

Met with Ministers and staff from

the Gambling Commission

Held a Parliamentary reception,

attended by the Sports

Minister

Attended a meeting of

independent operators and

SIS about media rights

Updated the ABB’s Responsible

Gambling Code and worked

with machine manufacturers

on the new responsible

gambling alerts

Provided guidance for independ-

ent members on the new

Local Area Risk Assessments

Launched online training on

financial crime and money

laundering, and refreshed the

responsible gambling course

Presented a report on why

betting shops are the safest

place to gamble for the

BBC’s ‘Daily Politics’

programme

Seen independent members soar

to a record pass rate for the

age verification testing

programme

Held our Annual General

Meeting with the Gambling

Commission Chief Executive

as guest speaker

Looking ahead, we anticipate there

being a review of stakes and prizes

on gaming machines. If that happens,

we will be making a robust, evidence

led case to the Department for

Culture, Media and Sport.

In fact, since the last review in 2013,

we have a very positive story to tell.

We now have a strong track record

of going far beyond regulatory

requirements and voluntarily

introducing measures that help

secure responsible gambling. Our

recent Gamble Aware Week is a

good example of the whole sector

working together to promote the new

alerts for machines and promoting

the message of only betting what you

can afford to lose. That is why

betting shops will remain one of the

safest places to have a bet.

Measures like that, and the series set

out within the Responsible Gambling

Code are one of the reasons problem

gambling levels remain at only 0.5

per cent – the same number as it was

in 1999, before gaming machines

were introduced.

Let’s never forget that this is a great

industry, one that does all it can to

ensure our customers can enjoy

themselves and bet in a safe and

responsible way.

ABB ensure independents’ voice is heard




The Racing Partnership (TRP) and Turf TV have agreed to share satellite infrastructure in UK and Irish Licensed Betting Offices. This agreement will see Turf TV and TRP sharing satellite infrastructure across the existing estate of Turf TV independent bookmaker customers in the UK and Ireland. The joint approach will mean that there is no requirement for most independent LBOs to install any additional satellite dishes, should they subscribe to TRP. Most LBOs will be able to continue to use the existing satellite dishes at their premises ensuring a smooth transition to receiving the new TRP TV channel.

Furthermore, the parties will share ongoing support and maintenance services meaning a single point of contact for the customers of both services in relation to any technical issues. ARC’s Director of Media Technology and Production and Director of The Racing Partnership, Mark Kingston, said: “We are delighted that we have reached an agreement with Turf TV to share their satellite delivery infrastructure. It is a deal which not only benefits both TRP and Turf TV, but more importantly puts the wishes of independent bookmakers first.” Alan Flitcroft, Chairman of

AMRAC (Turf TV), added: “We are

glad to facilitate The Racing

Partnership service for any of our

Turf TV customers who choose to

take the new channel. It’s a logical

step and a decision made in the best

interests of our valued customers

and the sport itself.”

The joint-venture is proving

popular with Irish bookmakers, with

BoyleSports, Sean Graham, Bar One,

Track Sports, Bambury, Tully, Fox’s

and Mulholland’s among the firms

committing to the new channel.

With East Midlands-based

independent Mark Jarvis also signing

up 57 shops, more than 900 outlets

are already subscribers.

TRP and Turf TV share satellite infrastructure

49’s Ltd has supplied the betting industry with fixed odds betting products for 20 years, both in the UK and internationally. 49’s Ltd fixed odds betting product range: - 49'’s The Twice Daily Draw - Irish Lotto Bet - Virtual Horse & Greyhound Racing - RAPIDO Our flagship product is the twice daily 49’s Draw, broadcast live since 1996 and for the past year with our very own live presenters. The very popular Irish Lotto Bet every Wednesday and Saturday is still the largest grossing numbers product for the LBO market. Virtual Horse Racing (Portman Park, Steepledowns and Sprint Valley) and Virtual Greyhound (Brushwood and Millersfield) brands are the original trail blazers, establishing virtual

content as a regular in the LBO daily diet of programming.

Coming soon from 49’s We will shortly be announcing new fixed odds betting products, including the Irish Lotto Bet Daily Millions and international lottos. We will support our new brands with results, recommended odds, rules and national promotions. We are also pleased to announce that we have licensed 49’s Virtual brands to Inspired Gaming Group (IGG) to distribute to digital channels. This new service will provide an opportunity to play our popular brands 24/7 online. You can keep yourself up-to-date with what’s happening with 49’s and its products wherever you are, including when you are on the move, via our website –

www.49s.co.uk – and FREE App called ‘49’s Results’. You can also join over 7,000 Twitter followers with the conversation online by following us @Bet49s. Jemma Hollingsworth, Marketing Services Manager, said: “49’s Ltd has set the standards for fixed odds numbers betting for the past 20 years and we are very proud to introduce a wider range of new international lottos this year to give our customers more content across all platforms. “2016 will also see our first licensing partnership with IGG taking our branded tracks online for the first time. “We are very aware that the retail landscape is evolving and to this end we will be working with SSBT suppliers to provide our content on this emerging platform.”

49’s: Who Are We?


http://www.49s.co.uk


The Strange Case of the Secret Office

ONE OF WILLIAM HILL’s departments didn’t exist – at least not officially. It was located on the top floor of Hill House in Piccadilly, was fully staffed and busy, but no one ever admitted it was there. I only knew about the place because I worked in it. If you went out of your way and searched you’d eventually find nine of us in a modest room behind an unmarked door on the far side of the staff canteen where you could get a three-course lunch in the early 1950s for two shillings (10p) with a cup of tea thrown in. Visitors to Hill House, all in the betting business overseas and eager to see how Britain’s biggest bookmakers operated, were never shown what went on where we were. Tour groups from France, Germany and even Australia were often escorted around the settling, accounts and filing departments but finding out what we got up to was out. Our department dealt with clients’ complaints. It was hidden from view because in a firm dedicat-ed to efficiency, accuracy and de-pendability, the 600-odd people who worked at Hill House in Piccadilly

didn’t make mistakes – at least none that the world’s biggest bookmakers wanted outsiders to find out about. HILL’S STAFF WERE only human so of course they made errors. This was natural because at the time of the firm’s rapid expansion in the early 1950s, thousands of telephone, telegram, and postal bets were pouring into Hill House every day and those incredible computerized settling machines we marvel at today hadn’t been invented yet. Our “secret” department was run by Ben Bradbury. Slim, tall, balding and well-dressed, Ben had been a settling clerk when William Hill’s head office was in London’s Park Lane. Ben was helped by four correspondence clerks including me, three shorthand typists and an unusual office boy by the name of Harry Knowles. Now I mustn’t give the impression that our customers were always right. In fact, many clients who wrote in claiming they hadn’t been paid enough were nearly always wrong, so much so that Ben created a special stock letter for them known as the “Ack. 6”. It went like this: Dear Sir/Madam, In reply to your enquiry dated …., we have carefully re-checked the wager you placed on …. and are unable to find any mistake in our settlement. We are therefore enclosing the wager for your inspection, and respectfully ask that you return it to us for the purpose of our records using the pre-paid envelope provid-ed. We are glad to be of service and assure you of our prompt and courteous attention at all times. For and on behalf of William Hill Limited, (signed) B. J. Bradbury, Manager, Correspondence Department. I should explain that the reason

we had to send the actual bets back to clients was because photo-copy machines also hadn’t been invented yet. From all sides I heard “Send an Ack. 6” every day as instructions were given to the typists. But sometimes the clients themselves made mistakes and this often cost them money. It happened when it was found on checking their bets that they’d actually been overpaid. Ben even had a stock letter for them to cover just such a contingency, and to the client’s chagrin his or her account was duly debited with the amount our settlers had inadvertently overpaid. ONE DAY SOMETHNING unheard of happened in our top-floor hideaway. The door opened and in marched the last man we expected to pay us a visit – William Hill himself. He looked around and blinked as if surprised to see us all busily working away. But he wasn’t half as surprised as Ben Bradbury who nearly swallowed his pipe. It turned out that Mr. Hill had been on a tour of inspection of the cafeteria next door where he’d recently installed new kitchen equipment and also had the restaurant redecorated in shades of green, his favourite colour. He was accompanied by racing-room manager Don Hart, a friend of Ben Bradbury’s when they worked together in Park Lane. Don had left-wing views that were shared by William Hill, who’d been born into poverty in a Birmingham slum. Ben jumped to his feet and hastily began showing our visitors around the office, explaining everything we did and in his nervous excitement giving over-flowery accounts of how we did it. “Now Mr. Hill, this wall chart shows the number of queries we receive each day,” Ben said as he



by Angus Dalrymple


pointed to a board on the wall. “As you can see, we got twenty-seven letters this morning. Our average is three dozen a day, but in the week after a big race we often get more than fifty.” “Really,” Mr. Hill remarked somewhat vaguely. “It’s a long job looking up bets because it’s difficult to track them down in the various departments. Sometimes it takes hours to find the original of a wager because of its many destinations.” “You don’t tell me.” “Yes, and some clients actually invent complaints knowing that their queries don’t have the slightest merit. They do it,” Ben added impressively, “because they want to stall and avoid having to settle their accounts promptly. It’s a delaying tactic, you see, that gives them an extra week or two to pay up. But you can rest assured that my staff here and I are on to their tricks every time.” “Amazing.” Mr. Hill’s eyes were beginning to glaze over. “And I keep detailed notes in this ledger here,” Ben feverishly turned pages and pointed to a list of entries, “showing the exact number of times our clients give the same lame excuse for making complaints. It’s quite fascinating, Mr. Hill, to see that they always tell us exactly the same thing in exactly the same words.” “And what’s that, Ben?” Don Hart asked politely as Mr. Hill’s attention began to wander to our staff notice-board. “They all write, ‘It isn’t the money, it’s the principle of the thing.’ But it’s never the principle of the thing at all, believe me,” said Ben. “It’s the money every time.” WILLIAM HILL GLANCED down at a piece of paper on Ben’s desk and picked it up.

“What’s this?” “That, sir,” Ben said proudly, “is my own invention, it’s called the Rickets List.” “Rickets List? What’s that?” “Well, the word ‘ricket’ is slang used by our settlers. ‘I’ve made a ricket’ they always say when they make a mistake. Now that list you’re holding,” Ben went on, “shows the number of mistakes each settler makes that are uncovered by my staff in the course of a week.” Ben pointed to a name at the top of the list. “Take this settler here. Wally Prince made 21 rickets – I should say mistakes – last week, and this week he’s already up to 16. And I can tell you this: a lot of settlers don’t like the way we keep tabs on them; it puts them on guard, I’m happy to say.” Ben gave a modest laugh. “Why, some of them have been known to leave the firm over it, throwing up their entire careers here. But as I’m sure you’ll appreciate, my list is compiled all in the cause of efficiency to help us sort out the wheat from the chaff.” “Wheat from the chaff?” Mr. Hill echoed. “I’ve been wondering why my staff manager has had to advertise for more settlers lately. He even persuaded me to pay them a fifteen per cent cost-of-living bonus to make sure they stay with us. And here you are, doing your best up here to make them leave.” “I know Wally Prince,” Don Hart cut in. “He was with me as a telephonist in Park Lane, worked his way up to be a settler, and became a damn fine one at that.” Mr. Hill gave Ben Bradbury an icy look. “Has it occurred to you,” he demanded, “that our best settlers are likely to make more mistakes because they do far more work every day and settle thousands more bets than the others and that with this list of yours, you’re penalising them for their hard work?”

Ben’s jaw dropped when Mr. Hill slowly and deliberately tore his Rickets List in half. “You can scrap doing this from now on, I don’t want to hear another word about it.” “I confess I hadn’t thought of it like that, Mr. Hill”. Ben took the list and dropped the pieces in his waste-basket. “No more lists will be kept in this department, sir, rest assured on that.” BEN’S EYES SUDDENLY flashed in panic and his face began to twitch. Mr. Hill, nodding at the rest of us, was edging closer to the notice-board. We thought we knew what Ben was fretting about. A prominent sign on the board was one of his jokes and read, somewhat sarcastically: “To Err is Human; to Debit is Divine.” Also on show was a letter from a client we called “Mr. Grouser” who was always grumbling he’d been underpaid but was never right, a fact that made him madder than ever. His grouchy letter on the board had given us a laugh. It read: “Dear B. J. Bradbury, I can find only one word to describe your service in recent weeks. It is SHOCKING.” But it turned out it was something else on the board that was giving Ben the shakes. One of our clerks, the portly Jake Gibbs, got Ben’s signal and came to the rescue. Jake strolled over to the board and stood in front of it, blocking most of it from view. As Mr. Hill drew closer, the situation was again saved when Don Hart glanced at his watch and said, “I’d better get back downstairs, Bill, the first race will be coming up soon.” Our visitors left. Ben blew out his breath. “God, that was close.” He then signalled his office boy, Harry Knowles, to come over. “Harry,” Ben said, “do you know



what would have happened if Mr. Hill and Don had seen that stupid notice you put up this morning? They’d have played blue murder. Don was wounded in a fight with the damned Fascists before the war during a riot. They stabbed him in the leg – that’s why he walks with a limp today. And Mr. Hill would have been mad as hell with me for not tearing that idiotic poster down. They both hate those rotten swines you’re promoting and so does everybody else. Don’t you know we fought six years to beat those devils? Take it down now and tear it up. And any others you’ve posted elsewhere.” What Harry removed was a leaflet advertising a rally to be held at the Kensington Town Hall that coming Friday when Sir Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Union of Fascists before the war, was attempting a comeback by addressing what was billed as a

“Grand Political Meeting.” Beneath the announcement the boy had written: “Get your free tickets from Harry. Come and bring your friends.” When the first race was over Ben went down to Don Hart in the racing room and asked him why he’d brought Mr. Hill on a surprise visit without giving him the courtesy of a warning phone call. Don smiled. “But we weren’t coming to see you, Ben, not at all! When the old man opened your door he thought it would take us to the lift on the landing.” HAPPILY, SIR OSWALD MOSLEY’S grand political comeback was a disaster. The Fascist leader imprisoned by Winston Churchill during the war was booed, heckled and shouted down by an angry crowd. Mosley

never got over the terrible reception he got and left Britain in disgust. As for Harry Knowles, our office boy gave up politics, mastered the art of settling, and went on to become a competent correspondence clerk himself in the William Hill department that never was.

The Strange Case of the Secret Office continued….

THE GAMBLING COMMISSION has published a new version of the licence conditions and codes of practice that will come into effect on October 31. Amendments focus on the prevention of crime associated with gambling, placing digital adverts responsibly and controlling where gaming machines may be played in betting, bingo and casino premises.

A statement said: “A key focus of this review has been the anti-money laundering provisions within LCCP and we have introduced a new consolidated principal anti-money laundering requirement as the most significant change. This will require licensees to assess and manage the risks of their business being used for money laundering and terrorist financing.”

GAMBLING COMMISSION chief Sarah Harrison touched on a number of issues in an interview with the Mail on Sunday in August, including fixed odds betting terminals.

Amidst calls for a reduction in the maximum stake permitted on such machines, she said: “I’d welcome a review as soon as possible.” She added: “To focus on stake size alone is unlikely to be a silver bullet. We’d like all options on the table, including further stake reduction. Our goal is to reduce harm related to gambling and look at it from every mode of gambling – machines, online, casinos, everywhere.”

The Gambling Commission is keen to keep on top of the eSports sector following reports that

under-age players and fans have engaged in a form of illegal betting

Gambling Commission news


William Hill

Sarah Harrison


continued…. on such events. Harrison said: “This is a very significant market and one we’re quite focused on. Is there a risk of it being attractive to or played by young people? We are seeing real challenges here and will use our powers to the full, including taking criminal action where we see betting and gambling that isn’t licensed.”

With several major firms having been heavily penalised for high-profile infringements regarding anti-money laundering and social responsibility procedures, Harrison has vowed to continue to crack the whip. She said: “Recently we’ve had five investigations, all resulting in penalties and the firms conducting external audits of their processes. They’ve had to stand up in front of their peers and say what they’ve learnt. If we find there are firms who repeat mistakes they can expect tougher sanctions. We’ll use everything in our locker to make sure customers are protected.”

The Gambling Commission also wants more investment from bookmakers in finding ways to combat problem gambling. Harrison commented: “In 2015 the industry spent £6.5m on research, education and treatment under the voluntary scheme, against £120m on TV advertising – that can’t be right.”

Staffing levels in betting shops were also discussed, with Harrison adding: “We’ve asked operators to set out staffing policies, what lessons they’re learning and if there’s need for further action. If you don’t have staff who feel safe they’re not able to protect customers.”

THE GAMBLING COMMISSION has launched a discussion paper outlining its views on eSports, social gaming and virtual currencies. The commission’s general counsel Neil McArthur said: “Our key concern is to ensure that consumers are protected and that children and other vulnerable people are not harmed or exploited by gambling. This discussion paper brings to the fore some areas where we see real issues for regulation, player protection and the protection of children and young people.”

Regarding eSports, McArthur commented: “Like any other market, we expect operators offering markets on eSports to manage the risks - including the significant risk that children and young people may try to bet on such events given the growing popularity of eSports with those who are too young to gamble.”

The Gambling Commission is concerned about the blurring of lines between some social gaming products and gambling. McArthur added: “In terms of social gaming, the Commission’s view has not changed significantly since the publication of its social gaming paper in January 2015. But if we discover that items such as additional spins, credits or tokens or even loyalty points are tradeable, then we will be taking a keen interest.”

On the subject of betting with virtual currencies, McArthur noted: “We are concerned about virtual currencies and ‘in-game’ items, which can be used to gamble. We are

also concerned that not everyone understands that players do not need to stake or risk anything before offering facilities for gaming will need to be licensed. Any operator wishing to offer facilities for gambling, including gambling using virtual currencies, to consumers in Great Britain, must hold an operating licence. Any operator who is offering unlicensed gambling must stop – or face the consequences.” THE LATEST GAMBLING Commission participation survey has highlighted a drop in betting activity amongst young adults aged 18-24, with just 11 per cent saying they had gambled online, down from 12 per cent for the same period last year and 17 per cent in 2014. Taking out those who only wager on the National Lottery, the figure falls to 10 per cent, down two points from 12 months ago. THE GAMBLING COMMISSION has suspended the licenses held by Smart TV Broadcasting while a review of the interactive TV and website operator takes place. A statement said: “The suspension is an interim measure, the need for which will be kept under consideration whilst the review takes place. We are aware that there are currently customers who have outstanding balances in their accounts with the operator. Regrettably, at this point we have no further information on the position of customer funds.”


Bill Moyes has been appointed as the new chairman of the Gambling Commission for a five-year term, succeeding Philip Graf as head of the industry regulator. The appointment was made by Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Karen

Bradley with the approval of Prime Minister Theresa May. Bradley said: “I am delighted Bill Moyes is taking up the position as chair of the Gambling Commission. He has a wealth of experience across the public, private and voluntary sectors, which will serve

him well at the Gambling Commission.” Moyes, who is also chairman of the General Dental Council, was previously director general and executive director of British Retail Consortium and has held a number of non-executive directorships.

Moyes is new Commission chairman




Matt Howe reflects on whirlwind year

THE SUN IS setting on Matt Howe’s reign as Racing Post/SIS Betting Shop Manager of the Year, just as it did over Marina Bay in Singapore, during his visit for the Emirates Singapore Derby, part of his prize for winning last year’s flagship competition for betting shop staff.

The view of that Singaporean sunset from 56 stories up is a memory that, he says, will stay with him forever. But there have been plenty of other things that won’t easily be forgotten during a whirlwind of a year since the Lad-brokes employee landed the covet-ed title and was handed the trophy by England rugby international and Question of Sport star Matt Dawson at London’s Jumeirah Carlton Hotel last November.

“Still very hazy, to be honest,” is his reply when asked for his recollection of that stellar after-noon. “From my name being announced, going up to receive the trophy, going back to the table, Derek Thompson interviewing me, photos with everyone, going round the corner to the pub for a drink, then before I knew it I was lying down on the hotel bed and – whoosh – it had all gone by so quickly.”

Back in the north-eastern suburbs of Birmingham where he oversees five Ladbrokes shops, there

was an enthusiastic reaction from the staff with whom he’d shared his 10-year career at the firm. And a decent response from the customers too, even the pair who daubed graffiti

on Ladbrokes’ full-page congratulatory picture of him in the next day’s Racing Post, and then asked him if he would still be okay to make the tea for them.

Having left his previous job after being told that progression within the business wasn’t available to him, Matt joined Ladbrokes and worked initially in their Handsworth shop as cashier cum deputy manager, working his way up to shop manager, and then to multi-shop management where he now oversees five shops.

Highlights during the ten months since he lifted the trophy have been plentiful, including a Channel 4 interview by Tanya Stevenson during Cheltenham’s International meeting in December, and the opportunity to do some racecourse PR work alongside Ladbrokes’ Mike Dillon and David Williams.

“I enjoyed that very much,” he says, “seeing how the brand wants to be represented, and the whole operation of getting the prices over to Tanya and Tom (Lee) on Channel 4. It’s about getting your message across first and foremost.

“I worked at Chester’s May festival, York’s Dante meeting and saw racing from a different aspect – I wouldn’t really class it as work.

“I went to the Racing Post

Juvenile Trophy at Wimbledon and the Ladbrokes Golden Jacket, where I met people from within Ladbrokes who’d worked their way up from shop level and you get to see for yourself the progression that can be made.

“I enjoyed being at ICE at the ExCel Arena in London in February, seeing the new slots games and being able to promote their features to potential customers. Learning about their features before they arrived in the shops was useful for me, likewise the technology involved with the self-service betting terminals.”

Matt had already visited Thailand, Egypt and America, but never in the VIP style with which he and wife Synita embarked on the trip of a lifetime to experience the Emirates Singapore Derby at Kranji in July, courtesy of the Singapore Turf Club, his reward for being crowned Betting Shop Manager of the Year 2015.

He may have only backed the runner-up in the Singapore Derby, but the trip itself was an all-round winner.“It was non-stop,” he says. “With no time to waste, we went straight out to explore the city. We visited the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, which has a viewing platform 56 storeys up. Sipping Singapore Sling cocktails while watching the sun set over the bay way truly breath-taking.

“On our final night there, we walked part of the Formula 1 street circuit at midnight. From now on, watching the Singapore Grand Prix will take on a new resonance.

“A couple of weeks after arriving back in Birmingham, I was brought down to earth one Sunday morning. I was putting up the papers displaying the form for Kranji, rather than being there in person. It was a bit of a difference! “

Matt and Synita at Kranji


He’s been a man in demand all year, working on various projects within Ladbrokes, recalling his experience in winning the title and what he’d learned from it.

“Winning it probably made me realise how passionate I am about the job,” he reflects. “I’ll always give anything a go and if I don’t succeed first time, I’ll take stock of what I did well, what I didn’t do so well, and how easily it can be rectified for me to perform better the next time. I don’t like having a failure next to my name, so I’ll try harder to get results one way or another, so I can get a tick next to my name instead.

“Being a good betting shop manager is about the interaction. If

a customer likes having a bet on the dogs, try to have a conversation with him about greyhounds, no matter how basic it might be. If it’s horses, what’s the big race of the day? It really helps if you can show some interaction with the customer that’s tailored to their particular interest, rather than just a general conversation.”

As he enters the last weeks of his reign, what advice does Matt have for those managers seeking to step into his shoes, those who make it through to the final round of judging in this year’s Racing Post/SIS Betting Shop Manager of the Year?

“Try to remain as close to your personality as possible,” he

responds. “There will be a lot of people along the way giving you advice, but I think if you take on too much information, when you answer a question, you may answer it in a way that’s not natural to yourself.

“I didn’t try to polish myself to be a slick professional; I stayed true to myself. As long as you remain true to yourself and to your personality, every answer you deliver will be in your style, and that’s what’s important.”

The Racing Post/SIS Betting Shop

Manager of the Year 2016 takes place on November 21 at the Jumeirah Carlton Hotel in London.


Book review by Chris Pitt

Definitive work on world’s oldest Classic

The St Leger: A History of the World’s First Classic Horserace, by

Tony Barber The last book to chart a comprehensive history of the St Leger Stakes was published in 1926. That was 90 years ago and much has happened since then, hence there is plenty of new material into which an author may delve for their research. With this offering, Tony Barber has unearthed a plethora of hitherto untapped historical sources to come up with a compelling history the last Classic of the season.

Raised in a village near Doncaster, the race was ingrained in the author from an early age when he accompanied his family on their annual pilgrimages to the St Leger. As a respected historian, he could be expected to know how to

unearth the facts but, fortunately for the reader, he also knows how to impart the information, bringing something original to each page in an entertaining way that is easy to read, straightforward to follow and capable of sustaining interest throughout.

The book is divided into six sections, each covering specific periods, charting the history of racing at Doncaster before the St Leger and the “mysteries surrounding the birth of the world’s oldest Classic”, the race’s inauguration, its rise to prominence and its “troubled times” of the 1830s and ’40s, its redemption, taking the race up to the Great War, the inter-war period, post-war competition that led to falling attendances, and how the race set about reversing its ailing status, while being increasingly overshadowed by other emergent autumn contests.

In conclusion, the author asks the readers what they would consider

to be the St Leger’s “golden age”. That question is open to interpretation and matters of opinion. What is not in doubt, however, is that this book is the definitive work on the world’s first Classic horserace.

Retailing at £75, it is not cheap but on this occasion you get what you pay for: a high-quality publication of over 500 pages, containing more than 300 illustrations, most of which have not been seen by the wider public. It is a limited edition of 800 copies, each one signed by the author.

It will make an excellent ‘special occasion’ gift for any lover of horseracing history.

The St Leger: A History of the World’s First Classic Horserace, by Tony Barber, is published by Racing Post Books, costs £75, and is only available from the Racing Post via its website www.racingpost.com/shop or by phone on 01933 340858 (Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm).



http://www.racingpost.com/shop

http://www.racingpost.com/shop

Leicester win right result for Wales bookie

LEICESTER CITY WINNING the Prem-ier League is the most remarkable story in the history of the competi-tion, if not football as a whole. This most unlikely of all triumphs will long be remembered by both fans and bookmakers alike. For fans it was elation, while some of the ma-jor firms shed tears – of the croco-dile variety, perhaps – in estimating their losses. One bookmaker who certainly wasn’t complaining was Sean Payne of Llandrindod Wells independent SP Racing, who combines being the town’s bookie with teaching maths at the local high school and working with autistic children. And no won-der, for he was born and bred in Leicester and has supported the city’s football club since the age of six. As BOS Magazine discovered when profiling SP Racing in its Sep-tember/October 2015 edition, the association with Leicester City is ap-parent even before you step inside the shop. Spot the fox’s head from the club’s logo woven into the SP Racing sign above the door. Venture indoors and you’ll find a variety of Leicester City ephemera adorning the walls. That your BOS reporter’s visit was a prescient one is beyond doubt. Almost six months after the least predictable result in Premier League – no, let’s be honest, any league – history, Sean is still basking in the glory of his home team’s tri-umph. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the location of the mid-Wales betting shop, Sean didn’t lay any bets on Leicester winning the title.

Indeed, it was only after Eden Haz-ard’s late equaliser for Chelsea against Tottenham on that second night of May, making it impossible for Leicester to be caught, that he himself began to think it was possi-ble. “I couldn’t let myself believe before it was certain,” he reflects. “When you’ve been supporting Leicester as long as I have, it’s just a matter of when the wheels will fall off – not ‘will they?’ but ‘when will they?’ – and yet it just never hap-pened this time.” He’d watched the Chelsea v Spurs game at a friend’s house – a West Ham fan. “I didn’t want to watch it at home,” he recalls. “At half time Spurs were two-nil up and coasting. I said to my friend ‘I’m wasting my time here; Spurs are going to take them apart’. But when Chelsea got their first goal, Spurs just imploded. It was bi-zarre because they’d gone from playing beautiful, flowing football to trying to kick Chelsea off the park. And when Eden Hazard scored that second goal in the eighty-third mi-nute, well, I just screamed. “It was funny because my friend’s wife came in and said ‘Don’t worry, Sean, I’ve already been next door to apologise to the neigh-bours’! “I never once thought I would ever see anything like that in my lifetime. I thought we were always going to be the yo-yo team that would have a couple of good sea-sons, get relegated, then back up again a couple of years later for a season or two. That’s what I thought our history was about. “It was just brilliant. I could never have imagined it happening. “I went to the last home game against Everton (by which time the Premiership title had been secured). They presented the trophy after the game. It was strange because it was

almost like the actual game was a secondary event before the main part. “I was also at the last game of the season at Chelsea with my son. A friend who’s a Chelsea season ticket holder got me two tickets but, obviously, we were sat amongst all the Chelsea fans. I’ve never had so many people shake my hand. I said to my friend, ‘Normally when I come here you’re trying to shake me by the throat!’ I suppose they were just glad Arsenal or Tottenham hadn’t won the title.” He wasn’t there for the club’s Monday night victory parade in the open-top bus because he was busy teaching at school and then working behind the betting shop counter, but he watched it on TV. “There must have been two-thirds of the city’s population pre-sent,” he reckons, “which is mad-ness when you think about it. “It’s got to be the greatest football underdog story ever, I would suggest, and it must have brought more people in to having a bet on football than any other single event last year. “It’s interesting because I heard some pundits saying it was a sub-standard Premier League sea-son and that’s why Leicester won it. What those people seem to forget is that we won it by ten clear points. We didn’t just crawl over the line and sneak it by a point, we won it by ten – that’s three victories and a draw more than anyone else. I think they’re doing us a disservice saying it was a poor Premier League sea-son, and I think the vast majority of football fans out there were cheer-ing Leicester on.” They weren’t the only ones. The general public’s penchant for supporting an underdog resulted in many thousands of people with little previous interest in football becoming embroiled in the Premier



League title battle that dispelled the post-Christmas blues, enlivened the months of late winter and carried over into spring, cheering on the team which almost everybody, it seemed, wanted to win. Having spent much of his youth on the terraces at Filbert Street, hanging his legs over the side of the wall in case the ball struck

them, Sean regards himself as “a bit of a traditionalist” when it comes to football. “I understand things can’t stay still and you’ve got to move with the times,” he observes, “but I’ve never been convinced that these new stadia offer the same kind of atmosphere.” The Filbert Street ground of his childhood years has long since been demolished. Now, a hundred yards away on the other side of the power station, lies the gleaming all-seater King Power Stadium, formerly Walkers Stadium when the Leicester crisp manufacturers were the club’s sponsor. King Power Stadium is the future but what about the future of its club? Responds Sean: “We’ve made some good signings (including Algerian international Islam Slimani for £25.5 million from Sporting Lisbon) but, more importantly, we didn’t lose

anyone except N’Golo Kante (signed for £30 million by Chelsea) to the bigger clubs, which indicates that the players believe there’s something special building there. Arsenal put an offer in for Jamie Vardy but he turned it down to stay where he was. They say you don’t turn down Arsenal, but he did. That said a lot and it’s a sign of how far we’ve come.” And then there’s Europe, of course. Sean is already making plans for himself and his son to head to Denmark for the FC Copenhagen game on November 2. “It may never happen again,” he says. “A part of me thinks we’ll definitely qualify for the next round so maybe we should try to do a game after we’ve qualified, but on the off-chance we don’t qualify, I wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity.”


Online bookmaker Betway has signed two landmark sponsorship deals within Belgian football to boost its sponsorship presence in the country. Betway has signed an agreement with RSC Anderlecht, as well as a wider deal with the Belgian FA and Pro League that will see the company become the official betting partner of the historic Croky Cup, the country’s principal cup competition. As part of the three-year betting partnership deal with RSC Anderlecht, Betway, who launched in Belgium in September 2015, will receive in-stadium branding with the 33-time Belgian Pro League champions. The betting partnership agreement with the Belgian FA and top-flight Pro League began with the round of

32 matches on 20 and 21 September. The two agreements come just weeks after the bookmaker extended its principal sponsorship deal with the English Premier League’s West Ham United through to the 2019/2020 season, following the club’s move into their new home, the London Stadium. Betway’s Anthony Workman said of the agreement with the 33-time Belgian champions: “We are proud and thrilled to become the betting partner of RSC Anderlecht. The club has a rich, hugely successful history, and we see this partnership as an opportunity to bring supporters even closer to Anderlecht and the excitement of the Pro League.” Speaking of the landmark deal with the Belgian FA and Pro League, Workman added: “The partnership

with the Belgian Cup is an excellent platform to introduce our brand across all football supporters in Belgium. We look forward building up the excitement from the early round games all the way to the final in Brussels.” Francois De Keersmaecker, president of the Belgian Football Association added: “The Croky Cup is the fastest road to European football qualification in Belgium, and the arrival of Betway as a partner of this competition proves its continuing growth and success.” The Croky Cup is the premier knockout cup competition in Belgian football and was first held in 1911. Club Brugge have won the competition a record 11 times but were beaten in last year’s final by Standard Liege.

Betway steps up sponsorship in Belgium

SP’s Sean Payne



Eden Bookmakers Austin Carney TVC Bookmakers' Trade Fair

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