Reading Time: 2 minutes
The Betting and Gaming Council appointed Entain’s Simon Clare as a member of the Horserace Betting Levy Board.
The HBLB distributes a portion of the profits of bookmakers for the improvement of breeding, the advancement of veterinary science and the overall improvement of horseracing. The HBLB is administered by seven members of the board, one of whom represents bookmakers.
Simon Clare, Director of Customer Communications at Entain, replaced Mike O’Kane as of October 7.
According to figures released by the HBLB in May, BGC members will contribute PS105m to Levy payments for last year. This contribution from the independent HBLB is a PS5m increase on the previous year. The HBLB has announced that it will increase its prize money contribution from 2024 to 2023 by PS3.2m, or PS70.5m.
The Levy contribution has increased for the third consecutive year. It went from PS97m (2021/22) to PS100m (2022/2023) and now PS105m (2023/2024).
Grainne Hurst (CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council) said: “We are delighted that Simon will be joining the HBLB.
“He brings a wealth of unrivalled experience from his years at Ladbrokes, Coral and where he became respected as a passionate and vocal champion of sport.
“I am confident that his knowledge and wisdom will be a valuable asset to the HBLB in the years ahead. I also want to thank Mike O’Kane, who has been a great representative of BGC to the HBLB.
Mike’s time at the HBLB has seen him bring a strong voice to the Board during a period of major change in racing, and he also made record contributions for Levy. We wish Mike the best for the future, and we are thrilled to welcome Simon into the HBLB.”
Simon has worked in the horseracing and betting sectors for close to 30 years. Simon graduated with a degree in politics from Liverpool University in 1992. He was accepted into The Jockey Club Graduate Scheme where he worked with the Horserace Betting Levy Board.
Simon began his career in 1996 as a Ladbrokes PR Manager. In 1997, he joined Coral to be their Racing PR manager.
Simon is the Customer Communications Director at Entain UK Brands. He is responsible for PR Sponsorship, and Social Media across Ladbrokes Coral Gala Foxy Partypoker.
He is a passionate horse racing supporter and learned to ride before participating in a charity event at the 2015 Cheltenham Festival.
Simon Clare is the Director of Customer Communications at Entain. He said, “I’m extremely honored to join the Horserace Betting Levy Board in the role of betting representative.
“Mike O’Kane is a tough act to follow. I’d like to thank him, for his great contribution during his tenure in this role.
“I am fortunate to have had a long, varied career in the betting industry, with Coral now Entain. I have a passion for all sports and horse racing, and will be able make a valuable contribution on the Board.”
