AK Bets takes over Pat O’Hare pitches

AK Bets claims to be Ireland’s biggest on-course bookmaker following its acquisition of Pat O’Hare’s pitches for a reported €3 million.

Established by former Paddy Power employee Anthony Kaminskas just five years ago, AK Bets has grown its number of pitches from 27 to 72 with this deal. AK Bets also has an online presence and also holds the franchise for the betting shop at Listowel Racecourse.

The O’Hare brand has been ever-present on Irish tracks for over 70 years.

Pat O’Hare was a revered figure in the Irish betting ring. Based in Newry, he once paid a record £235,000 for a rails position at Cheltenham.

He passed away in January 2024 at the age of 93, and his son Damian has continued the business.

This week’s deal sees AK Bets acquire two more pitches at Cheltenham and a presence in Northern Ireland for the first time. “We now have the best pitches at the best courses,” Kaminskas told the Business Post. “We’ll have three in Cheltenham, we’ll be in Downpatrick and Down Royal, and the quality and quantity will increase across the board.”