Fans of Queensland’s three codes of racing will continue to watch their favourite racing on Sky Racing’s platforms for the next ten years following a deal reached by Racing Queensland and Sky, which is owned and operated by Tabcorp.
The deal provides Sky with exclusive rights to broadcast Queensland metropolitan and country racing across hotels, clubs, TAB agencies, paid streaming channels and digital platforms such as Sky Racing Active – Sky’s digital live and on-demand racing content platform. Live Queensland racing and replays will also continue to be shown via TAB’s digital channels.
Sky has seen significant digital growth and innovation over the past 12 months with more than 115,000 TAB customer downloads of the Sky Racing Active app since its launch last August and a 50 per cent increase in customers accessing Sky Racing in the TAB app.
And with Sky Racing 2 moving to Foxtel’s base tier from August 1, Sky can broadcast feature race meetings from all three codes to an even broader audience. Tabcorp’s Managing Director of Wagering and Media, Adam Rytenskild, said: “This agreement extends a decades-long relationship that we have with racing in Queensland.
“Sky broadcasts 12,000 Queensland thoroughbred, greyhound and harness races each year – taking Queensland racing into TAB venues, punter apps, homes and international audiences across up to 65 countries.
“We look forward to Sky’s extensive network continuing to champion Queensland racing action and its stories.”
Racing Queensland Chairman Steve Wilson AM said today’s announcement was a positive step for the industry and its clubs.
“The Queensland racing industry has laid the foundations for a prosperous future by signing a new long-term agreement with Sky Racing,” Mr Wilson said.
“There were a number of outcomes we were determined to achieve – most notably increased distribution, showcasing and revenue – and that’s exactly what we’ve been able to secure for our clubs.”
The new media arrangement is on the back of Queensland TAB account customers now having access to new products, live US sport and exclusive promotions as TAB turns into their new home ground.
Among the highlights of the new TAB offering are new tote products (including Big 6, Running Doubles and Early Quaddie), flexi betting, Same Game Multis and new vision (US sports and Watch & Bet function).
TAB has also rolled out its Venue Mode function for punters betting digitally in TAB venues. Venue Mode is a recent innovation that gives punters betting in agencies, pub and club TABs and racecourses exclusive offers and promotions.
“This is the start of a new era for TAB in Queensland and will be great for TAB customers, as well as our racing
and venue partners,” Mr Rytenskild said.
