Independents wary about new betting channel

A leading member of the hard-pressed independent bookmaking sector has said that firms like his would be wary of a third betting shop channel coming into the market following last week's announcement of the creation of The Racing Partnership.

Howard Chisholm argued independents had already been stung once when TurfTV was created to challenge SIS but said much depended on what deal was offered.

The Racing Partnership comprises seven small independent courses and Arena Racing Company, whose director of media technology and production Mark Kingston said it recognised the pressure independents were under.