Odds system under threat in UK racing review
British horseracing may dispense with the traditional odds system if new proposals to modernise the sport are acted upon...
BRITISH HORSERACING may dispense with the traditional odds system if new proposals to modernise the sport are acted upon.
A ten point plan to broaden the appeal of UK racing announced by the Racing For Change taskforce today includes ending the fraction-based odds system in favour of a decimal one.
A racecourse trial in the spring will see odds of 15/8, for example, becoming 1.9/1, and 6/4 becoming 1.5/1
Other measures include an overhaul of fixtures to create premier racing events and more clearly defined seasons.
In addition, all jockeys and trainers will be listed on racecards by their first names as well as their surnames and official racecourse announcements will be simplified.
The Racing For Change board features representatives from the sport’s key organisations and stakeholders.
Tony Calvin, head of media, industry at UK betting exchange and UK sports betting operator of the year Betfair said: “Decimal odds are the way forward.We have used them since 2000 and we think they are much simpler and easier to use [than fraction-based odds], and most online bookmakers now offer that option.”
However Calvin added that the plan did not go far enough. “The plan is all well intentioned and I can’t see that there is anything that anyone can take issue with, but I think the general consensus is that these proposals are only the ‘quick wins’, and none of them has the ‘wow’ factor.”