Fairplay Enters On-Course Betting with Goodwood Debut

Fairplay is set to launch its first on-course bookmaking operation at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, after acquiring a racecourse betting pitch. The UK-licensed sportsbook will have a branded presence on the opening day of the prestigious Flat racing meeting, with founder Billy Gowing and Head of Trading Neville Burdock personally running the pitch.

The move marks a strategic shift for Fairplay, which plans to focus on a handful of major UK racing festivals rather than attending every meeting. The company stressed that its online sportsbook remains the core business, with the on-course presence intended to complement digital operations, boost brand visibility, and create an additional revenue stream.

Gowing described Goodwood as "the ideal place for Fairplay to make its on-course debut." He added: "We have no intention of trying to be at every meeting in the country. Our ambition is to build a presence at the major festivals." The founder also highlighted the personal excitement of running the pitch alongside Burdock, noting that his colleague "knows the numbers and the markets inside out."

While acknowledging the headwinds facing British racing and betting—including affordability checks and rising taxation—Gowing expressed confidence in the sport's resilience. "Horseracing is deeply ingrained in British sporting culture and remains one of the country’s biggest spectator sports," he said. "I strongly believe racing will continue to adapt." Fairplay aims to be part of that future, using on-course bookmaking to promote its online sportsbook without it ever becoming the main part of the business.