The UK Tote Group will close its online gaming business and refocus its digital operation on racing, pool betting and international services. The restructuring was announced on October 6 and 7, 2026, alongside the appointment of James Coxon as the company’s next chief executive.

Alex Frost will leave the CEO role at the end of 2026 after almost nine years in charge. He will support the handover before joining the board as a non-executive director.

A sharper racing focus

The Tote said it will redirect money and staff towards three areas:

  • Racing and pool betting
  • Business-to-business services
  • International operations and technology

Its consumer platforms will retain a racing-led offer, with a complementary sportsbook remaining in place. Casino-style gaming will be removed as the restructuring takes effect.

The company has not announced a final closure date for the gaming operation. It has started a staff consultation because a number of digital roles may be affected.

For customers, the immediate change is a narrower digital offer rather than the end of Tote betting. Racing and pool betting will move closer to the centre of the product.

Why the Tote is changing direction

Frost said the decision followed a review of online gaming economics. He cited higher tax costs, tougher regulation and the rising expense of technology, compliance and automation for legal operators.

The Tote presents the move as a strategic choice, not a retreat from digital betting. The group says racing and pool betting give it a stronger point of difference than competing across every online gambling category.

“We have concluded that the Tote should focus on being a racing specialist,” Frost said, according to Racing Post.

James Coxon takes over

Coxon brings more than 20 years of experience in betting and gaming. He has held senior roles at DraftKings and SBTech and was chief operating officer at Gaming Innovation Group.

His appointment puts a technology and operations executive at the centre of the Tote’s next phase. The company says the new leadership will support product development, international growth and its racing-first plan.

World Pool becomes the big bet

The Tote plans to expand World Pool, its international commingling business launched with the Hong Kong Jockey Club at Royal Ascot in 2019.

Racing Post reported that the platform has generated more than £65 million for British and Irish racecourses. That revenue reaches beyond betting screens. International pool activity can support racecourse income and prize money, helping British racing attract owners, horses and major meetings.

Global Gaming Insider also reported the planned gaming closure and Coxon’s appointment. Taken together, the announcements show a business moving away from broad online gaming and towards services linked directly to racing.

  • The gaming business will close, but no final closure date has been published.
  • A staff consultation is under way.
  • The digital operation will retain racing and a complementary sportsbook.
  • Investment will shift towards World Pool, business-to-business services and racing technology.
  • James Coxon will become CEO at the end of 2026.

The Tote’s digital future will be built less around broad online gaming and more around connecting British racing with larger international betting pools.