Fairplay Extend Business to Racecourses

Fairplay has taken another step in its growth by making its debut as an on-course bookmaker at the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

The UK-licensed operator has acquired its first racecourse betting pitch, marking the brand’s first move into traditional on-course bookmaking. While Fairplay’s online sportsbook remains the heart of the business, the company believes having a presence at some of Britain’s biggest racing festivals will help introduce more racing fans to its growing platform.

The move also signals another vote of confidence in British horse racing at a time when both bookmakers and the sport continue to face a number of commercial challenges.

Fairplay arrives at Goodwood

Goodwood is one of the highlights of the Flat racing calendar, making it a fitting venue for Fairplay’s first appearance on course.

Rather than attempting to attend meetings across the country every week, the company says its strategy is to focus on the biggest festivals where thousands of racing fans gather.

Fairplay founder Billy Gowing and Head of Trading Neville Burdock operated the bookmaker’s pitch themselves on the opening day, giving racegoers the chance to place bets directly with the team behind the business.

The move creates another way for customers to interact with the Fairplay brand while complementing the company’s expanding online sportsbook.

If you’re thinking of opening an account, you can also check out the latest Fairplay free bet offers available to new customers.

From social betting app to growing sportsbook

Fairplay’s journey began back in 2021 when Billy Gowing launched Fairplay Exchange.

The original concept was inspired by a simple problem many golfers will recognise. Friends regularly placed small wagers during rounds but often found themselves without cash to settle up afterwards. Gowing developed a peer-to-peer social betting app that allowed those friendly bets to be handled digitally.

After securing the necessary UK Gambling Commission licences, the business gradually evolved beyond its original idea.

In 2025, Fairplay expanded again by launching a full online sportsbook alongside its existing exchange platform. While social betting remains part of the company’s identity, the sportsbook has become a major focus as Fairplay looks to establish itself in an increasingly competitive market.

Building the Fairplay brand

Unlike many larger bookmakers, Fairplay has spoken publicly about wanting to build a more personal relationship with customers.

Gowing has previously discussed the importance of creating a betting brand that feels approachable rather than relying on constant advertising and automated marketing campaigns.

That philosophy also explains the decision to appear on course.

Being present at major race meetings allows racing fans to meet the people behind the business, ask questions and interact with the brand face-to-face rather than simply seeing another online advert.

It also provides Fairplay with another opportunity to grow awareness of its sportsbook while supporting British racing through on-course bookmaking.

A long-term commitment to racing

Speaking about the launch, Gowing described Goodwood as the perfect place for Fairplay’s first on-course appearance.

He made it clear the business has no plans to operate at every race meeting throughout the season. Instead, the ambition is to build a presence at Britain’s biggest festivals while continuing to invest primarily in the online sportsbook.

He also acknowledged that both racing and betting are currently navigating a difficult period, with affordability checks, increased taxation and wider regulatory changes creating additional pressure across the industry.

Despite those challenges, Gowing remains optimistic about the future of British racing and believes Fairplay can play a small part in supporting the sport’s continued development.

Goodwood remains one of racing’s biggest weeks

The Qatar Goodwood Festival continues to attract some of the best horses, trainers and jockeys from Britain and Ireland, making it one of the standout meetings of the Flat season.

With competitive handicaps, Group races and plenty of betting opportunities across the five-day festival, it has become one of the busiest weeks of the racing year for both punters and bookmakers.

If you’re looking for selections throughout the meeting, be sure to check out our latest Goodwood tips, where our racing experts provide daily previews and betting recommendations.

Fairplay’s first appearance on course represents another milestone in the company’s development. While its online sportsbook remains the priority, expanding into racecourse betting shows the operator is keen to build stronger connections with racing fans while becoming a more familiar name at some of Britain’s biggest festivals.

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