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The spotlight was on World Pool after it recorded an impressive turnover on bet types for the British Champions Day, summing up to HK$202.7 million. This surge brought the total for all the races combined during the 19 World Pool days across the UK and Ireland to a staggering HK$4.7 billion, equivalent to £475 million.
One significant contributor to this growth was King George Day at Ascot. The event experienced the highest turnover jump, skyrocketing from HK$253m to a record-breaking HK$287m, marking an increase of over 13%. Events like the 2,000 Guineas Day and specific days of the Royal Ascot showed promising year-on-year growth.
The latest numbers may be slightly lower than 2022's HK$4.9 billion but still showcased a notable improvement from the 2021 turnover of HK3.9 billion. Such figures indicate the persistent enthusiasm of punters towards the World Pool platform.
Moreover, this year's 131 World Pool races in the UK and Ireland witnessed a record-breaking prize of £32 million. The innovative World Pool Moment of the Day initiative they enhanced the betting experience by distributing £68,000 amongst its 17 winners.
Ebbe Verhestraeten, associated with the winner, Big Rock, grabbed the Moment of the Day title on Saturday. He is now in the race to win an exclusive VIP trip to Hong Kong next year if he secures the title of World Pool Moment of the Year.
Internationally, World Pool meetings in regions like Dubai, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Australia are also breaking their turnover records. Particularly in Australia, the Caulfield Cup set a new record for the highest turnover on a World Pool race, attracting bets amounting to HK$54.24 million.
For punters within the UK and Ireland, World Pool can be accessed through the Tote, whether at racecourses, online, or via the Tote App. Those betting directly with the Tote benefit from the Tote Guarantee, ensuring all Win bets match or exceed the industry's Starting Price.
Michael Fitzsimons, the Executive Director of Wagering Products at HKJC, expressed his satisfaction with the reception of World Pool in the UK and Ireland this year. Despite the challenging economic conditions, the turnover figures remain strong. He emphasized that they are gearing up for growth in the UK and Ireland and are excited about introducing World Pool to more of the season's premier race days.
At the same time, Alex Frost, CEO of the UK Tote, highlighted the positive impact of revenues from World Pool on racecourses' investment in prize money, which saw a new record this year. He is enthusiastic about future collaboration with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, emphasizing improvements in customer experience for the 2024 season.
Martin Stevenson, the CEO of Racecourse Media Group (RMG), reflected on the successful performance of World Pool in 2023. He stated that World Pool boosted revenues and prize money, benefiting British and Irish racing. The future looks even more promising with new race days added to the calendar.
Conclusion:
World Pool's significant turnover in 2023 showcases its growing dominance in the betting industry, providing both punters and racecourses unparalleled value and opportunities. The platform's continuous growth and widespread acceptance underscore its potential for an even brighter future in the coming years.
