Ladbrokes has reaffirmed its commitment to Tasmanian racing, extending its partnership with Tasracing for another five years.
The deal with Ladbrokes' parent company Entain is a much-needed boost for Tassie racing, which has endured a difficult past 12 months with integrity scandals in all three codes.
The agreement, which features a further two-year option, Ladbrokes, part of Entain Australia and New Zealand, will be the state’s venue and major race day partner.
Under the terms of the extended deal that starts in August, Ladbrokes will provide a base sponsorship fee and a capital expenditure contribution to help improve on-course facilities at Spreyton (Devonport) and Elwick as well as additional promotion and general marketing support.
Tasracing chief executive Andrew Jenkins said the partnership extension was a “big win” for Tasmanian racing.
“The continued investment into Tasmanian racing by Entain through its premier Ladbrokes brand is evidence of the industry’s prospects in our state,” Jenkins said.
“It means Ladbrokes’ relationship with the Tasmanian racing industry will extend over 10 years.
“We are pleased and excited to extend the relationship for a further minimum period of five years.
“While Tasracing will be able to broaden our promotion of Tasmanian racing directly to our audiences, Ladbrokes will also promote our product to its significant database in the highly competitive national wagering space.”
Entain Group executive director stakeholder engagement, Karl deKroo, said Ladbrokes was thrilled to continue its association with racing in Tasmania.
“Ladbrokes is proudly a racing-led business, and we believe strongly in helping to build and sustain the industry through our unique approach to marketing and content,” deKroo said.
“The Tasmanian racing industry has had its challenges, but we are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder as its major partner and together we look forward to a period of stability and growth.”
Jenkins said it was unique to be able to mark a decade-long partnership with the Tasmanian racing industry.
“Ladbrokes has long-term partnerships with racing clubs and organisations interstate, so it is gratifying that it also sees benefit in partnering with clubs and the industry here,” he said.
“Its role as a key partner and key contributor to Tasmanian racing - both looking back and forward - cannot be underestimated.”
“The Tasmanian racing industry has had its challenges, but we are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder as its major partner and together we look forward to a period of stability and growth." - Karl deKroo
Ladbrokes first signed with Tasracing in April 2019.
The new partnership will see the continuation of key concepts such as the Ladbrokes Community Sports Series which aligns with the Devonport, Launceston and Hobart thoroughbred Cups and schemes to promote growth in ownership and racecourse attendance across the three codes of racing.
Bren O’Brien
