Racing TV (RTV), a sports channel specialising in Irish horseracing, has expressed concerns that it may become unsustainable to continue its broadcast in Ireland, should the government’s new Gambling Regulation Bill pass unaltered. The legislation, which imposes a ban on advertising gambling from 5.30am to 9pm, risk making channels like RTV and Sky Sports Racing financially unworkable if no exemptions are given.
Although the bill has already been approved by the Dáil, it yet has to proceed through the Seanad, where late adjustments prohibiting a scenario where Irish racing can be viewed globally, except in Ireland, could still be made. The proposed ban maintains its strong governmental support despite various racing groups warning it could have catastrophic impacts on the sport.
Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), has stressed that it would be unacceptable for the sport not to be aired nationally. Concerns were also raised over a reported suggestion that lost advertisement revenue could be recovered through increased on-air presence and contributions from bookmaker representatives. In response, RTV dismissed the idea, stating that it contravenes Ofcom’s advertising regulations in the UK.
A previously agreed €47 million a year media rights deal between HRI, the Association of Irish Racecourses, and Racecourse Media Group, the owner of RTV, could also be affected by the regulatory changes. This deal covered direct-to-home streaming and betting shop services, including through RTV, for five years. Both HRI and RTV are eager for the legislation to be revised before it is officiated in law, as specialist racing channels qualify for advertisement restriction exemptions in other regions, such as Australia.