News round-up: BHA changes whip rules; BetClic Poker joins Everest Poker network; Lottomatica appoints CFO

news in briefWhip usage has been cut in half under recommendations published by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). The consultation, entitled “Responsible Regulation: a review of the use of the whip in horseracing,” started way back in November 2010 with the sole intention of looking at whip usage in the sport. The review made 19 recommendations in all with the agreement that there were no grounds for a blanket ban.

The consultation stated that current whip rules are “not effective” and the result has been that usage has been halved. It means flat racing jockeys can use the whip seven times during a race with one more crack of leather allowed in jump racing. The minimum penalty for breach of the rules has been raised from a caution to a five day ban meaning that a forfeiture of race fee and prize money percentage are an almost certainty. The new guidelines will come into effect on 10th October and the BHA added, “The use of the whip in racing remains appropriate and necessary for the safety of jockeys and horses.”

BetClic Poker has joined the Everest Poker network with a number of promotions planned throughout the next couple of months. Both companies already came under the BetClic Everest banner so it’s little surprise that they made their friendship official. Tarquin Henderson, Head of Poker and Casino at BetClic Everest, commented, “BetClic Poker will bring poker knowledge, passion and liquidity to our network and this will ensure the best experience for all players involved.”

Lottomatica welcome a new Chief Financial Officer to the company with Alberto Fornano joining the staff. Without a CFO since May, Fornano joins the firm with more than 20 years experience of financial operations. This is his first job inside the gambling industry and he will be responsible for managing the company’s financial strategy, reporting to CEO Marco Sala.