One of Australia’s largest bookmakers has attempted to buy direct access to free-to-air TV audiences, a move that would allow it to broadcast racing to bigger audiences, promote gambling products, and break Tabcorp-owned Sky Racing’s monopoly on the sport.

Betting giant Entain, which owns wagering brands Ladbrokes and Neds, approached commercial networks Seven, Nine and Ten some months ago to see if they would consider selling spectrum to create a new place to watch greyhound, harness and thoroughbred racing.