Betting technology supplier Sportech's losses widened five-fold in the first half of 2020 as the impact of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) led to a 38.7% drop in revenue to £20.2m (€22.2m/$26.3m).

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has approved Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) to begin offering advance deposit wagering (ADW) on horse racing to players in the state.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has reported declines in revenue and turnover for its 2019-20 fiscal year, though management hailed the business’ resilience after it managed to avoid race cancellations over the period.

France Galop, the governing body for the country’s flat and steeplechase racing sector, says that while proceeds from betting on racing will be down year-on-year, it has been encouraged by growth in the sector from June onwards. This growth, it noted, had prompted horse race betting operator Pari-Mutuel Urbain (PMU) to raise its full-year profit forecasts.

Bettors in Illinois will be able to sign up for an online sports betting account without travelling to a physical location after Governor J.B. Pritzker reinstated an executive order suspending in-person registration.

South African racing operator Phumelela Gaming and Leisure Group has published its business rescue plan, which could see it sell its horse racing business as it struggles with debts of up to ZAR1.17bn.

Puerto Rico has taken a step towards launching legal sports betting over a year after legalizing the vertical, beginning a 30-day consultation on sports betting regulations developed in partnership with Gaming Laboratories International (GLI).

Sky Sports-owned At the Races has struck a deal to extend its partnership with Ascot Racecourse, covering non-terrestrial television in the UK and Ireland, until 2024.