Paddy Power
has notified Ireland‘s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) with its intention to acquire two more betting shops in North Dublin, adding to its existing +200 betting shops in the country.
Paddy Power retail management confirmed that it was in the process of acquiring the Donabate and Swords outlets of The Track bookmakers. The Track is owned by Balbriggan-based businessman James Reilly, who also owns Harvest Inn.
Its parent company, Track Sports, has about 20 shops in Ireland. According to its set of accounts filed for June 2013, the company has a €260,000 worth of debt on its balance sheet.
The buyout of the two North Dublin stores is the subject of a preliminary investigation at the CCPC and submissions from other interested parties are due by the end of the month.
The announcement of Paddy Power’s expansion plans in Dublin comes after its competitor Ladbrokes’ announcement that it’s putting its entire Irish retail betting division under review due to poor financial performance.
Meanwhile, Paddy Power’s Australian-facing brand Sportsbet has signed an agreement with Racing Victoria, becoming the first company to launch live coverage of racing in Australia.
Under the deal, Sportsbet’s customers will be able to live stream all Victorian metropolitan and country race meetings for free and account holders will be able to view replays until midnight of the same day of the race.
“Sportsbet is now the one stop shop for Australian punters to bet on Victorian racing. It will put live racing in the hands of punters on the device of their choice – anywhere, anytime,” said Sportsbet Chief Executive Cormac Barry. “Our 1.8 million customers will be able to access marquee events like the Melbourne Cup, Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup at home, at the pub, on the golf course, or on the road.”
“Racing Victoria had been working closely with Country Racing Victoria and the state’s Metro Clubs, Victoria Racing Club, Melbourne Racing Club and Moonee Valley Racing Club, to secure rights agreements to provide enhanced experiences for racing fans,” said Racing Victoria CEO Bernard Saundry. “We are pleased to partner with Sportsbet in an agreement which will support a broader distribution of Victorian thoroughbred racing.”
The service is now available online and will be offered on Sportsbet’s mobile in April.
