Another story from the BBC:

A spectator has died after collapsing in the betting ring at Folkestone Racecourse in Kent.

He was initially treated by paramedics who called the Kent Air Ambulance. The helicopter landed on the track before the 1435 GMT race, but he later died.

Neil Mackenzie Ross, clerk of the course, said the day had been marred by the death of the man who was thought to be in his 50s.

"Unfortunately he died and it has been a sad day," he added.

Posted by casino man in Gambling News at 9:41 PM GMT

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Another story from the BBC:

Three bookmakers are in talks with more than 20 racecourses over an alternative to the £90m horse-race bet levy that funds the industry, a newspaper says.

The betting levy is a flat fee, negotiated annually, that bookies have paid since 1961 to fund horse racing.

Ladbrokes, William Hill and Betfred are the three companies involved in the talks, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Under the terms of the new deal, the tracks would get 10% of the gross win generated by bets on race fixtures.

Posted by casino man in Gambling News at 3:41 PM GMT

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Another story from the BBC:

Plans for the UK’s first "Racino" - a casino at a racecourse - have been submitted in the West Midlands.

The owners of Wolverhampton Racecourse want to build a 170-bedroom hotel, improve horseracing and conference facilities and create the casino.

It follows the recent announcement by the government to propose a "small" casino be built in Wolverhampton.

Racecourse owners Arena Leisure Plc said the development would cost £23m and create up to 280 jobs.

Posted by casino man in Gambling News at 12:41 PM GMT

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Another story from the BBC:

Northern Ireland’s bookmakers have stepped up their campaign for betting shops to be allowed to open on a Sunday.

It is the only part of the UK where it is banned.

A weekend race at Down Royal racecourse in County Down was named after their campaign.

Spokesman Adrian Eastwood said they were losing out while illegal Sunday gambling flourished in places such as pubs.

Posted by casino man in Gambling News at 8:44 PM GMT

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More from The Times Online:

THE Government is in exclusive talks to sell the Tote to a racing industry consortium, after the group made a formal offer for the state-owned bookmaker.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said that it was in “closed discussions” with the bidder and that it was “looking to make a sale to the racing consortium at full market value”.

Talks began in the spring between the Government and the group, which includes: Arena Leisure, the owner of several racecourses; the Racecourse Holdings Trust, which is part of the Jockey Club and owns the Aintree and Cheltenham courses; and the Racehorse Owners Association. Northern Leisure, which had been involved in the negotiations, withdrew last month.

The Government is believed to have set a deadline of the end of last month for a formal bid to be launched.

Posted by casino man in Gambling News at 11:41 PM BST

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Another story from the BBC:

A consortium from the horse racing industry has made a bid for UK state bookmaker, the Tote, it is reported.

The consortium is said to include Arena Leisure, which owns racecourses, the Racehorse Owners Association, and the Racecourse Holdings Trust.

The government has long planned to sell the Tote, and Labour reconfirmed this before the last general election, but a £400m hoped-for price may not be met.

The Tote relocated from Putney to Wigan last year and has 540 betting shops.

Posted by casino man in Gambling News at 5:11 PM BST

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Another story from the BBC:

Up to 200 jobs could be created if plans for the country’s first racing casino are approved.

The £12m project at Dunstall Park in Wolverhampton is the first of its kind in the country where people can gamble on race horses as well as in a casino.

The racecourse will submit its plans to the city council on Monday after the government’s Casino Advisory Panel shortlisted it for a new licence.

In 2003, Arena Leisure said it was working with rival Gala for the scheme.

Posted by casino man in Gambling News at 9:11 AM BST

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Another story from the BBC:

More than 100 race-goers have been evacuated from the main stand at Uttoxeter racecourse after a fire in a betting van next to the building.

One eyewitness said smoke billowed 200ft (70m) in to the air from the fire on Sunday afternoon.

The main stand at the Staffordshire ground was evacuated as it became shrouded in smoke.

A total of fifteen firefighters put out the blaze which was contained to the betting van, no-one was injured.

Posted by casino man in Gambling News at 4:11 PM BST

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Another story from the BBC:

The long-term future of Ayr Racecourse has been secured after the Scottish Executive gave the green light to a £35m plan to transform the complex.

Racecourse bosses had warned that they may have to consider the future of the course, which had debts of up to £11m, if the proposals were rejected.

With outline planning permission now granted, plans for a casino, cinema, and shopping complex can move forward.

About 400 flats will also be built and the course itself will be upgraded.

Posted by casino man in Gambling News at 5:41 PM BST

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Another story from the BBC:

BBC News business reporter

As Kempton Park Racecourse in south-west London prepares to reopen on Saturday after an £18.8m redevelopment, horseracing is now running at a gallop to retain its leading place in the UK gambling sector.

With Ascot Racecourse also reopening after a giant redevelopment in June, horseracing is upping its game to compete more effectively for the public’s betting money.

In recent years, horseracing’s biggest new challenge has been the explosion in internet casinos.

Posted by casino man in Gambling News at 6:11 PM GMT

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