Elle
Feb 19th 2025
Likes
Share:
Live UK Horse Racing has long been a major part of the sports and horse racing betting online industries, drawing interest from race organizers, media companies, bookmakers, and technology firms. Whether it’s a regular racegoer or a casual viewer watching from home, the sport has a broad audience that remains engaged.
With changes in the gambling industry, media rights landscape, and evolving customer expectations, the stakeholders ensure that the attractiveness of horse racing remains intact. Racing1 is a joint initiative on the part of betting operators, media rights holders, and Arena Racing Company (ARC). Racing1 is working on ensuring the relevance of Live UK Horse Racing.
At the ICE 2025 trade show, Glen Swinney, Head of Commercial Partnerships at ARC and Racing1 spokesperson, spoke with Insider Sport about the challenges facing Live UK Horse Racing and how Racing1 is working to strengthen its position.
Racing1 is focused on improving the way racing data and media content are provided to horse racing betting online operators. In a market where competition for customer attention is increasing, presenting horse racing as an appealing product is essential.
According to Swinney, Racing1 is making it easier for bookmakers to integrate racing content, with better access to Live UK Horse Racing streaming, real-time data, and engaging features that keep customers interested.
“Racing1 is about making racing more accessible to horse racing betting online operators while improving the overall experience for customers. The way that people are dealing with sports wagering content is changing and some of the work that we are doing is in response to their expectations,” Swinney explained.
In the past few years, the horse racing industry has faced many challenges including regulation changes, evolving customer preferences, and enhanced competition from other gaming markets. The UK government’s tightening of regulations on gambling advertising and responsible horse racing betting online measures has also influenced the industry’s approach.
Swinney pointed out that racing needs to stay relevant while maintaining its traditional appeal. “We are seeing a shift in how people interact with betting content. Younger audiences have a more digital-first approach, and they expect easy access to Live UK Horse Racing, data, and betting markets in real-time.”
To meet these expectations, Racing1 and ARC are working on ways to present racing as a modern betting product. Live streaming, mobile-friendly platforms, and in-play horse racing betting online features are among the developments being introduced.
A leading organization in Live UK Horse Racing, ARC operates and owns a total of 16 racecourses, including Lingfield Park, Doncaster, and Newcastle. Media rights are significant components of the sport’s financial engine, with broadcasters, bookmakers, or streaming services wanting the provision of high-quality racing material.
Swinney emphasized that controlling media rights will be among the most significant issues facing racing in the future. “We need to balance getting commercial returns for racecourses and rights holders while allowing betting operators to offer an attractive competitive product.”
One of Racing1’s goals is to improve access to media rights for bookmakers, allowing them to integrate racing content more efficiently. This approach benefits both bookmakers and customers by making betting markets more accessible.
Technology continues to influence the betting experience. Swinney noted that accurate, real-time data is essential for both bookmakers and bettors. “The more precise and timely the data, the better the betting experience. We are working to improve the accuracy of race data, making sure that odds, results, and insights are available instantly.”
Racing1 is also looking at ways to integrate racing content into digital environments such as sports betting apps, interactive streaming platforms, and esports-style racing simulations. These efforts aim to keep horse racing aligned with modern horse racing betting online trends.
Even though the industry faces a plethora of challenges, Sweeney believes there will be a bright future ahead for Live UK Horse Racing. And with Racing1’s efforts of improving access and betting integration as well as digital engagement, it has laid the sport a solid foundation to maintain its place.
“There is still a large audience for racing, but we need to make sure we are presenting the product in the best way possible. That means investing in media, improving the digital experience, and working closely with bookmakers to create an offering that keeps customers engaged,” he concluded.
With Racing1 and continuous initiatives by ARC, Live UK Horse Racing is adapting to changes in the industry and holding its key position for bookmakers with exciting opportunities for betting customers.