The UK Tote Group has inked a strategic deal with France’s Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) to enhance its pool betting offerings for British and Irish punters. The partnership will bring French horse racing, including a pool betting monopoly, to the UK and Ireland. This collaboration will encompass 7,000 annual pools from 88 French racecourses, featuring 262 pattern contests. The agreement was initiated with the prestigious Prix De l’Arc De Triomphe.
Expanding Betting Options:
UK Tote is now offering the six most popular tote bet types for French events, including win, place, exacta, trifecta, quinella, and swinger. However, it plans to introduce more bet types in the future. The UK Tote Group, based in London, has made partnering with international operators a key part of its strategy, which previously included the World Pool.
UK Tote CEO’s Perspective:
UK Tote CEO Alex Frost expressed delight at the partnership with PMU, emphasizing the positive impact on racing enthusiasts and the financial support for French racing. By commingling the UK pool with the French pool, British and Irish Tote customers gain access to substantial pools for top-class French racing action. Frost highlighted the value available in these pools and the warm welcome for winning customers.
PMU CEO’s Insights:
PMU CEO Emmanuelle Malecaze-Doublet hailed the partnership as a strategic milestone in their ongoing collaboration with the UK Tote Group. She underscored the recognition of PMU’s expertise as a global horse racing operator and the prominence of French races. The agreement promises to enhance the already attractive horse betting offerings of the UK Tote.
Leadership Team Expansion:
In April, The UK Tote Group bolstered its leadership team by appointing two Chief Commercial Officers. Jon Knapman assumed the role of CCO for the group’s international B2B business, while Dave Hammond became CCO for UK operations. Knapman’s promotion followed the international business’s expansion into markets such as the US, South Africa, and Hong Kong, reflecting the UK Tote’s commitment to further growth through its international networks.
The UK Tote Group’s partnership with PMU opens up exciting possibilities for British and Irish bettors to engage with French horse racing on a larger scale. This collaboration underscores the global appeal of horse racing and highlights the significance of international cooperation in the industry’s growth. As both entities seek to expand their reach, this partnership promises a win-win for racing enthusiasts and the industry as a whole.