In a strategic move aimed at harnessing global market potential, Racecourse Media Group (RMG) has announced Ben Dowding as the new chief betting officer, a role that consolidates the organisation’s domestic and international betting endeavours. Formerly the director of betting at RMG, Dowding’s ascension is a direct result of the group’s decision to form a singular, robust team in response to bookmakers increasing interest in rights acquisition on a worldwide scale.
Dowding’s tenure at RMG has been marked by a series of progressive leadership roles since he first joined in March 2013. He embarked on his journey with RMG as head of partnerships, later ascending to head of B2B, and subsequently to the role of director of betting, which he held for over six years. In each position, Dowding showcased a proactive approach towards enhancing betting initiatives.
The wealth of experience Dowding brings to his new role as chief betting officer dates back to his days at The Jockey Club, where he demonstrated his adeptness in the field through various positions, including sponsorship manager and regional sponsorship manager. Dowding’s deep understanding of the betting landscape is further complemented by his ongoing three-year tenure as a non-executive director at BocaSports, marrying his practical insights with an executive perspective.
In response to Dowding’s new appointment, RMG’s chief commercial officer, Nick Mills, highlighted Dowding’s invaluable expertise and expressed his confident anticipation for the new opportunities Dowding’s leadership is poised to capture on the international stage.
Dowding himself expressed enthusiasm for expanding his responsibilities to an international scope. He emphasized the potential for exploiting the synergetic relationship between domestic and international markets to boost not only revenue but also the global profile of British and Irish racing.
Racecourse Media Group, an umbrella organization comprising 35 shareholder racecourses, has witnessed Dowding’s steady hand in steering its multiple ventures. RMG is the parent organization behind Racing TV, GBI Racing, and the Racecourse Data Company, casting a significant footprint in broadcasting content across nearly 7,000 licensed betting offices throughout the UK and Ireland. Among the illustrious member courses that fall under RMG’s purview are iconic names in the racing world like Aintree, Cheltenham, Exeter, Kempton Park, and York.
The convergence of RMG’s domestic and international teams under Dowding is more than a mere structural change—it represents a strategic approach designed to cultivate an expansive, more integrated approach to the betting sector, tailorable to accomodate the growing edge of global bookmakers. Dowding’s leadership is envisaged to drive RMG to new heights, leveraging the merged capabilities and forces of the teams to position RMG at the forefront of the global betting industry.
Dowding’s extensive knowledge, paralleled with a track record of dedicated commitment to RMG, promises to be a driving force in navigating through the complex and evolving landscape of global rights acquisition. With his strategic focus aimed at emerging international markets, Dowding is poised to bolster RMG’s international stature, elevating the profile of British and Irish racing across the world stage.
This transition occurs at a pivotal moment, where the alignment of domestic and international strategies is paramount to thriving in a competitive betting landscape. As Dowding steps into the role of chief betting officer with immediate effect, eyes will turn to RMG in anticipation of the innovative strides the group is sure to take under his seasoned guidance.
