AK Bets, the Dublin-based bookmaking firm, has completed a major acquisition that significantly expands its footprint across UK and Irish racecourses.
The company has purchased 45 racecourse pitches from Pat O’Hare Bookmakers, a historic Irish betting operation founded in the 1950s by the late Newry businessman Pat O’Hare.
Anthony Kaminskas, Chief Executive Officer of AK Bets, announced the deal publicly via LinkedIn and the company’s official X account.
AK Bets paid €3.1m, equivalent to approximately £2.5m, for the pitches, according to a Business Post article shared in Kaminskas’ social media posts.
The acquisition grows AK Bets’ total racecourse pitch count from 27 to 72, representing a near-tripling of the company’s on-course presence across both markets.
Kaminskas paid tribute to Pat O’Hare, described by Newry media as a legend of the Irish betting industry, and to his son Damian, who continued building the business.
“Over 70+ years Pat, and now Damian, have built the standout racecourse betting operation on the island of Ireland,” Kaminskas said on LinkedIn, adding that Damian and his wife were a pleasure to deal with during negotiations.
He concluded his tribute by saying: “AK Bets are standing on the shoulders of bookmaking giants with regards to the O’Hares and I wish the both of them the very best for the future.”
The newly acquired pitches include two at Cheltenham Racecourse in England, where AK Bets previously held just one, making the famous festival venue a stronger commercial priority for the firm.
The bulk of the acquired pitches, 36 in total, are located in Ireland, and the deal marks AK Bets’ first entry into the Northern Irish market.
The Northern Ireland expansion will be overseen by David Tyrell, AK Bets’ Head of On Course Operations, pending the necessary licensing approvals under the region’s own 1985 betting and gaming legislation.
AK Bets will launch at Down Royal Racecourse in County Down with four pitches from September, and will also secure three additional pitches at Downpatrick Racecourse, also in County Down, from the same month.
In the Republic of Ireland, the deal expands AK Bets’ existing presence at Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare, one of the country’s most prestigious tracks and the host of all five Irish Classic Races.
The Curragh expansion is set to begin from 18 July, giving the firm a stronger position at a venue that hosts the 1,000 Guineas, 2,000 Guineas, Irish Derby, Irish Oaks, and Irish St Leger.
The broader Irish regulatory landscape continues to evolve, with the newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland having taken charge of online licensing in July 2026 under the Gambling Regulation Act of 2024.
