International markets the key to new Tote betting alliance

International markets dealt a heavy blow to Tote Ireland but, through the deal that has been sealed with the UK Tote Group, it might be that they also provide a route to recovery.

Tote Ireland had enjoyed seven successive years of turnover growth in the last decade, fuelled to a significant degree by a deal with Israel which allowed Irish and British racing to be shown in the country's betting shops.

However, in 2018 the Israeli government banned betting on horseracing as part of a wider crackdown on gambling and the effect was profound.