Racing TV has reassured Irish subscribers that its coverage of Irish racing will continue when forthcoming gambling advertising restrictions take effect, despite earlier warnings about the financial viability of broadcasting without bookmaker promotions.
Parent company Racecourse Media Group (RMG) told the Racing Post it was working with Horse Racing Ireland and the Association of Irish Racecourses on arrangements to maintain service.
The company expressed confidence in a smooth transition but didn't explain the proposed broadcasting or commercial arrangements.
Its position contrasts with previous statements that a separate Irish feed without gambling advertising would be economically unviable. RMG had estimated the annual cost of such a feed at approximately €2m ($2.21m) and questioned whether other advertisers could replace betting revenue.
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 provides for a gambling advertising watershed between 5.30am and 9pm. These provisions have not yet commenced, and the Department of Justice says it cannot currently provide an implementation timetable.
The department nevertheless wants the advertising restrictions and provisions governing inducements introduced as soon as legally and operationally feasible.
Commencement depends on the rollout of licensing by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). The authority began issuing remote betting and betting intermediary licences in July, bringing licensees within several new obligations.
Funding has been a constraint. GRAI warned earlier this year that its €13.35m allocation for 2026, against a €26m request, would affect the pace of regulation.
A €22.5m allocation for 2027 was subsequently announced.
In related news, Ireland retained its 2% betting duty for 2027 while increasing Horse Racing Ireland funding to €81.6m.
Separately, HSE figures showed 352 people accessed publicly funded treatment with gambling as their primary issue in 2025, compared with 159 in 2021; increased access and awareness may partly explain that growth.
Finally, marketing scrutiny has also extended to the National Lottery, whose regulator requested the removal of phrases including “easy money” from Telly Bingo scripts.
RMG holds broadcast rights to all 26 Irish racecourses under a five-year agreement running until the end of 2028
