AK Bets Acquires Pat O’Hare Bookmakers’ Pitches for €3.1 Million

AK Bets Acquires Pat O’Hare Bookmakers’ Pitches for €3.1 Million – AK Bets has reportedly acquired 45 pitches from Pat O’Hare Bookmakers for an estimated €3.1 million, significantly expanding its on-course presence. This acquisition reportedly positions AK Bets as the largest on-course bookmaker in Ireland.

What Happened

AK Bets, founded by Anthony Kaminskas in 2021, has reportedly purchased 45 pitches from Pat O’Hare Bookmakers for an estimated €3.1 million (Racing Post, Fortunaria). This transaction reportedly increases AK Bets’ total number of on-course positions from 27 to 72 (Racing Post).

The acquisition includes two pitches at Cheltenham and an expanded presence at the Curragh, according to the Racing Post. This move also marks AK Bets’ reported expansion into Northern Ireland for the first time, subject to licensing approval, with pitches included at Down Royal and Downpatrick (Racing Post).

Key Details

• AK Bets acquired 45 pitches from Pat O’Hare Bookmakers for a reported €3.1 million (Racing Post).
• Post-acquisition, AK Bets’ total on-course positions increased from 27 to 72, positioning them as the largest on-course bookmaker in Ireland, according to their statement (Racing Post).
• The acquisition includes pitches at Cheltenham and an increased presence at the Curragh, as well as new expansion into Northern Ireland at Down Royal and Downpatrick, pending licensing approval (Racing Post).
• Pat O’Hare Bookmakers, founded in the 1950s by Pat O’Hare, had operated for over 70 years, continuing under the management of his son following O’Hare’s death in January 2024 until the recent sale (Racing Post).

Why It Matters

This strategic acquisition by AK Bets represents a notable consolidation within the Irish on-course bookmaking sector (Racing Post). The reported €3.1 million investment signals a significant commitment to expanding physical betting ring operations and market share (Racing Post, Fortunaria). Anthony Kaminskas, founder of AK Bets, reportedly stated the firm is “really interested in premium pitches at the premier events” and highlighted the growth of major racing festivals such as Punchestown, Galway, and the Dublin Racing Festival (Racing Post).

The expansion into Northern Ireland, pending licensing approval, also indicates a broader geographical reach for AK Bets (Racing Post). This transaction alters the competitive landscape for on-course bookmakers in Ireland, with AK Bets claiming to be the largest operator in this segment (Racing Post).

Originally reported by: Racing Post. Published: 7/12/2026, 10:05:52 AM.