UK and Irish Racing Sees World Pool Turnover Reach HK$4.7 billion (£475 million) in 2023

In the igaming industry, turnover trends on World Pool bets provide insights into betting patterns and customer preferences. British Champions Day observed a turnover of HK$202.7 million (£21.3 million/US$25.9 million/€24.4 million) for World Pool bet types. This has culminated in a total of HK$4.7 billion during the 19 World Pool days that took place in the UK and Ireland.

Notably, King George Day at Ascot witnessed a significant increase in turnover, surging over 13% from HK$253m to a record HK$287m. The 2,000 Guineas Day, as well as the first and third days of Royal Ascot, also observed year-on-year increments. Although 2023’s figures are slightly below the previous year’s HK$4.9bn, they show a remarkable advancement from the HK3.9 billion recorded in 2021.

The 131 World Pool races hosted in the UK and Ireland this year have set a new benchmark, amassing prize money of £32 million. Furthermore, the World Pool Moment of the Day initiative awarded £4,000 to each of its 17 winners, totalling £68,000. Ebbe Verhestraeten, who earned the Moment of the Day honour on a recent Saturday, now stands a chance to secure a VIP trip for four to Hong Kong next year, contingent upon winning the World Pool Moment of the Year.

In the broader igaming landscape, World Pool events in regions including Dubai, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Australia have achieved record turnover figures. World Pool will further extend its presence with two upcoming meetings in Australia on Cox Plate Day and Victoria Derby Day.

Highlighting other milestones, the Caulfield Cup set a new turnover record for a World Pool race in Australia, accumulating HK$54.24 million (AUD$10.98 million) in bets.

For igaming enthusiasts in the UK and Ireland, World Pool is accessible via the Tote, either at racecourses, online, or through the Tote App. Those betting directly with the Tote enjoy the Tote Guarantee, ensuring all Win bets either match or surpass the industry’s Starting Price.

Metrics from the British Champions Day highlight:

• Tote Win outperformed the Industry Starting Price in 5 out of 6 races.
• The Tote Win overround stood at 112%, compared to an industry Starting Price of 120%.
• Tote Exacta surpassed Forecast in all 6 races.
• Tote Trifecta bested Tricast in 5 out of the 6 races.

Across the 19 British and Irish World Pool days in 2023:

• Tote Win exceeded the Industry Starting Price in 66% of races.
• A £1 bet with the Tote on every winning race during these days would have yielded £263 more than the industry Starting Price.
• The Tote Win overround was at 109%, against an industry Starting Price of 122%.
• Tote Exacta and Tote Trifecta outperformed their counterparts, Forecast and Tricast, in 78% and 84% of races, respectively.

Michael Fitzsimons, Executive Director, Wagering Products of the HKJC, said: “We are really pleased with how World Pool has been received in the UK and Ireland again this year and the turnover figures look strong against a challenging economic backdrop.

“There are many more opportunities for growth in the UK and Ireland and we look forward to being able to roll out World Pool at even more of the season’s flagship race days. Having the Lockinge, the Irish Derby and the Sun Chariot as World Pool events for the first time this year worked really well, and we look forward to adding more days in the future.

“We’d like to thank all of our partners, including the UK Tote, Racecourse Media Group and Ascot Racecourse – who have all been with us since World Pool was first created in 2019 – for all their hard work in making it another highly successful season.”

Alex Frost, Chief Executive of the UK Tote, said: “We are delighted that British and Irish racing has enjoyed such a successful World Pool season in 2023. It is incredibly positive to see revenues from World Pool supporting racecourses’ investment in prize money which was at a new record of £32 million for World Pool races this year. This highlights the increasingly important role pool betting is playing the in the future sustainability of the sport.

“Following our new five-year agreement with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, making the UK Tote the exclusive partner for World Pool in the UK and Ireland, we look forward to collaborating on exciting developments, including new bet types and further improvements to the customer experience for the 2024 season.”

Martin Stevenson, Chief Executive Officer of Racecourse Media Group (RMG), which represents the media interests of The Jockey Club, Newbury, Goodwood, York, The Curragh and Leopardstown racecourses, said: “World Pool has been a hugely important initiative for British and Irish racing to grow revenues and prize money, and it’s been great to see such strong performance again in 2023 on the back of adding new races to the calendar this year.

“It’s been a pleasure working with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, UK Tote and all of our racecourses on World Pool this season and we are already looking forward to 2024.”