20-07-2005 Drop in Ireland racecourse betting

"Our turnover has declined because many punters have stopped going racing and instead are watching on TV and using Betfair. The fact that there has also been a fall in attendances shows it has to be linked to the pictures," said a spokesman for the Irish National Bookmakers’ Association.

"I think we are a soft target because our prices tend to highlight the lack of value in the ring which is uncompetitive when you see the amount of the bookmaker over-round. You can’t blame punters for switching when they have an alternative which offers better value for money," answered back a spokesman for Betfair.