Racing Channels in Turmoil
The Irish government’s decision to proceed with banning daytime gambling advertisements on television could have significant repercussions for racing channels in the country. This move has raised concerns about the viability of dedicated racing channels, potentially affecting their broadcasting in Ireland.
Junior Minister James Browne of the Department of Justice has expressed doubts about granting exemptions from the Gambling Regulation Bill to channels like Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing. These channels have been heavily lobbied by the horse racing industry to be exempt from the proposed ban on gambling ads on TV between 5.30 am and 9 pm.
Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), which has media rights agreements with these channels until 2028, has warned that broadcasting separate streams in Ireland would not be financially viable. Creating a distinct feed for Ireland free from gambling advertising could reportedly cost Racing TV an estimated €2 million, according to government officials.
An internal government briefing note suggests that Racing TV should be able to develop a separate broadcasting stream for Ireland without gambling advertising, relative to the overall rights fee. However, Minister Browne has argued that such an exemption would effectively grant a monopoly on gambling advertising in the state to these two channels. He pointed out that the rights deal was agreed upon several months after the government initially proposed the ban.
Browne emphasized that the exemption proposal contradicts the principle of the gambling advertising ban, goes against the will of the cross-party Oireachtas Committee on Justice and the government, and raises anti-competitive concerns. He stressed that the legislation doesn’t prohibit trackside betting, trackside gambling ads, or the sponsorship of jockey’s colors and races by betting companies.
Browne expressed his concerns about the harmful effects of gambling advertising and endorsed the watershed advertising ban as the most appropriate measure for the present situation.
HRI remains engaged with the minister and his officials to find a solution to the issue. The government’s decision and the potential impact on racing channels continue to be topics of debate and negotiation.
In summary, the government’s proposed ban on daytime gambling ads on television has raised questions about the future of dedicated racing channels in Ireland. Balancing the interests of the horse racing industry and the need to address gambling-related concerns remains a complex challenge.