Trial of Bookmaking Facilities On-course

On behalf of its members, the RCA has formally requested that the return of betting facilities is discussed and approved by the BHA and DCMS. This is the agreed process to enable the lifting of this restriction.

Betting will resume on course during a two-week trial to allow both a pool operator and on-course bookmaker, to operate under strict conditions:

• All Covid-19 protocols applicable in the owners zone to be complied with alongside agreed risk assessments provided by Administration of Gambling on Tracks (AGT) and Britbet.
• Advance booking for bookmakers via AGT, notified to the racecourse 24 hours in advance.
• Advance booking from Pool Operative, notified to the racecourse 24 hours in advance.
• Betting via card is preferred but cash betting would be allowed with cash managed in accordance with high street bank hygiene protocols as a minimum.
• All betting operatives would be required to wear appropriate PPE ie face coverings if SD is likely to be breached.
• Hand sanitiser to be available for regular use by operative and customers.

The commencement date of the trial will be Tuesday 18 August week and will last for two weeks following the first date. On completion of the trial, the RCA and its Betting Advisory Group will review the operation in collaboration with Britbet and AGT and may extend the trial if appropriate.