Arena Racing Company (ARC) has announced its decision to open the tender process for the Premier Greyhound Racing (PGR) data rights, presenting a chance for the UK greyhound racing sector. The initiation of this process is scheduled for this month, with the expectation that ARC will select a partner to deliver greyhound content from PGR-operated tracks to betting operators and media groups.
PGR stands as a joint venture between UK horse racing track operator ARC and Entain, the LSE-listed betting and gaming firm behind high-street and online betting brands Ladbrokes and Coral. The two entities collectively own nine of the licensed greyhound tracks in the UK, including Crayford, Hove, Monmore, Romford, Central Park, Perry Barr, Newcastle, Sunderland, and Nottingham. Additionally, ARC manages media rights for independent tracks at Kinsley, Pelaw Grange, Sheffield, Swindon, and Yarmouth.
Mark Kingston, Director of Media & Technology at ARC, commented on the development: “In January, we were delighted to launch Premier Greyhound Racing and commit to providing the very best coverage of UK greyhound racing. This is just the start for PGR, and we have major plans to develop the service to further engage greyhound fans. This includes the provision of the very best data set to support the sport.”
Kingston added that the chosen data services partner should possess robustness, speed, reliability, a proven track record of delivery excellence, and demonstrate innovation and investment in a data set to engage both existing and new customer segments. The aim is to drive preference for betting on greyhounds and introduce engaging data innovations.
PGR has been focused on enhancing engagement with greyhound racing audiences and bettors, with efforts to boost visibility. In December 2023, PGR entered into a partnership with Sky Sports and attheraces to make greyhound racing accessible to audiences through a red button channel on Sky Sports from January 1, 2024.