Regulators discuss bettor experience, illegal wagering
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities held the 59th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities in Paris, France at Le Méridien Paris Arc de Triomphe on Monday.
During this year’s conference, there was a particular focus on racing betting, both in the legal and illegal markets, along with marketing and customer experience. Throughout the course of the day, 165 delegates from about 40 countries heard from leaders from around the globe on these pressing topics.
“The international conference has for many years provided a platform for all of us, the stewards of racing in our respective jurisdictions, to come together and discuss the key issues impacting our sport today and to chart the course for its future,” IFHA chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said during his welcome address. “Racing’s long-term success is dependent on our ability to not only address the threats that we face today, but moreover to embrace the opportunities they present us.”
Sports television presenter Rishi Persad served as the moderator for the conference, which featured two main sessions.
The first session of the conference was titled Racing Wagering & Marketing – What Today’s Customers Want and What the Future Holds. It explored the dynamic landscape of horse racing wagering and marketing while also examining how technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviours are reshaping the industry.
Panelists included NYRA Bets chief revenue officer and president Tony Allevato, Ascot Racecourse chief executive officer Felicity Barnard, Breeders' Cup president and CEO Drew Fleming, American Racing Channel president Pablo Kavulakian and Japan Racing Association director of international affairs Atsushi Kikuta.
“I can assure you have that I have absolute faith and optimism in the growth of this sport, and I think there is a huge potential internationally,” Barnard said. “I think we are doing lots of things right, but I think we could do a lot of things better, together.”
Allevato echoed those thoughts. “Sometimes, we don’t give ourselves enough credit. If we all can take a step back, look at what we are doing, trust ourselves, and know that we are creative we can get horse racing to get to the next level. I truly believe that.”
The second session was titled Growth of the Illegal Betting Market and Tackling Challenges in Betting Regulation. Panelists discussed the immense growth of illegal betting on racing and other sports and also examined the impacts of tighter government controls on gambling.
Speakers included Hong Kong Jockey Club betting integrity consultant Tom Chignell, British Horseracing Authority acting CEO Brant Dunshea, World Lottery Association executive director Luca Esposito, IFHA Council on Anti-illegal Betting and Related Crime chair Martin Purbrick, and Union of European Football Associations anti-match-fixing head Vincent Ven.
Ven discussed how different sports share the same challenges and the importance of educating participants about potential integrity threats as well as working with all different stakeholders.
Ben Cleminson, CEO of Square in the Air, also presented on growth and innovation in sports and horse racing. Salem Binmahfooz, chairman advisor and technical committee member of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, provided an overview of the 41st Asian Racing Conference. The ARC is scheduled to take place in Riyadh in February of 2026.
The first International Conference of Horseracing Authorities was organised and hosted by the Société d'Encouragement in Paris on Oct. 9, 1967. Since 1994, the annual conference has been organised by the IFHA. The JRA has been the official partner of the conference since 2021.
A replay of the live video stream and presentations will be available in the coming days.