British Horse Racing: RMG Secures Media Rights for 33 Racecourses Until 2033

British horse racing is leaning into stability and collective strength. Racecourse Media Group (RMG) has announced long-term extensions for the audio-visual and data rights of 33 British racecourse shareholders. This significant move comes well ahead of schedule, as the previous rights were not set to expire until December 2028. The new agreements extend the partnership through December 31, 2033, covering RMG's entire portfolio from streaming services to international broadcasting rights.

The agreement is seen within the industry as a massive vote of confidence in RMG’s business model. Because the company is entirely owned by the participating racecourses, every pound of profit is returned directly to the venues. In an era where the global betting market and media landscape are under significant economic pressure, this unification provides necessary stability for stakeholders, including York, Goodwood, and the prestigious Jockey Club.

Numbers and facts

The scope of the package is extensive. It includes not only streaming rights (Watch & Bet) but also direct-to-home broadcasting, terrestrial television, and international betting and non-betting rights. Furthermore, data rights for both pre-race and race-day information are secured until the end of 2033. Among the 33 shareholders are 16 small independent racecourses, highlighting the importance of collective marketing for smaller venues alongside industry giants.

Thanks to this deal, some of the most historic events in the British racing calendar will remain part of the RMG portfolio. This includes the Randox Grand National, the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Betfred Derby, the Qatar Sussex Stakes, and the Juddmonte International Stakes. For these premier events, media presence is now guaranteed until at least 2034. Nick Mills, CEO of RMG, emphasized the financial relevance: every pound of profit generated by RMG is returned to racecourses to support prize money, facilities, and investment across the sport.

Background

The extension comes at a time when the British market is facing numerous hurdles. The closure of retail betting shops and stricter regulatory requirements have put pressure on revenues. Conor Grant, the outgoing Chair of RMG, views the extension as a vital signal for the sport’s future.

"These renewals provide important certainty for racecourses at a time when the wider betting and media landscape continues to evolve. Against a backdrop of retail shop closures, regulatory change and broader economic pressures, RMG’s racecourse shareholders are well placed to navigate challenges and capitalise on future opportunities across broadcasting, streaming, data and betting." - Conor Grant, Chair of Racecourse Media Group

The ownership model, established in 2004, has proven resilient. It allows racecourses to maintain control over their content while maximizing reach through professional commercialization. The decision by 33 shareholders to commit to an additional five-year term beyond 2028 underscores the effectiveness of this strategy.

Why it matters for German players

For horse racing fans in Germany, this news primarily means reliability and high-quality coverage. Since RMG controls the streaming rights (Watch & Bet), it is highly likely that these top-tier British races will remain available through licensed German betting providers. Those wishing to bet legally in Germany must use operators listed on the Whitelist of the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). These bookmakers often provide live streams of the races, provided the user has a funded account or has placed a bet.

The German Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021) sets strict limits for player protection. The cross-operator monthly deposit limit of 1,000 Euro via the LUGAS system applies. Furthermore, German customers must ensure that betting taxes are correctly handled. The long-term security of rights in the UK ensures that German bettors will have access to reliable data and footage of traditional races like the Grand National for years to come, without needing to resort to illegal or unsafe offshore portals.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German bookmakers and online casinos with a GGL license benefit from the stability in the British market. As horse racing often serves as a key acquisition product for sports betting, a reliable racing calendar with high-quality media data is essential for product management. The integration of RMG data into German platforms follows strict technical requirements to ensure synchronicity between live footage and bet placement. GGL-licensed providers can thus offer their customers a legally secure environment supported by RMG’s long-term planning.