Boylesports creates new online division

Bookmaker Boylesports is to separate its retail and online operations, creating a new division to try to grow its business overseas.

The company’s head of online, Keith O’Loughlin, has been named chief executive of Boylesports Online, and will develop the online betting and gaming sites across mobile and other digital platforms, introducing new products and developing brands such as BoylePoker.com.

The company, which has 176 retail outlets in Ireland, is targeting new markets, including Asia.

Chief executive and founder John Boyle will manage the overall business.

“Now is the right time for us to restructure to ensure that both the retail and online side of the business continue to grow,” Mr Boyle said. “Our loyal shop customers in Ireland are very important to us, but we also need to consider our customers, and potential customers, in markets further afield. We feel we can best cater to all by taking this action now.”