- Headquarters
- Cardiff, Wales
Arad Research is an independent research and evaluation consultancy based in Cardiff, Wales, specialising in social and economic research, policy evaluation and economic impact assessment. It works with public bodies, industry associations, regulators and commercial clients, with a portfolio spanning education, culture, sport and gambling-related policy. In the betting and horseracing sector, Arad Research is best known as the consultancy commissioned by the British Horseracing Authority to study the economic impact of Welsh horseracing, examining how racing and its associated betting, breeding, media and tourism activity contribute to the Welsh economy. The company operates as an independent evidence provider rather than as an operator or technology supplier, designing and delivering quantitative and qualitative studies, stakeholder engagement, data analysis and published reports that inform policy and industry decision-making. Its clients include racing authorities, gambling-related bodies and public-sector funders seeking rigorous, impartial evidence. The firm is distinct from unrelated organisations sharing the 'Arad' name, notably the Israeli water-metering group Arad Ltd, and operates primarily in the UK with a strong focus on Wales.
Detailed Review
Sector Entry Point
Arad Research first became visible in gambling-industry coverage through a study commissioned by the British Horseracing Authority into the economic impact of Welsh horseracing. Economic-impact studies of this kind are strategically important to racing authorities because they quantify the direct, indirect and induced contribution of racing, including betting, media, breeding and tourism activity, and are used to support positions on the levy system, fixture funding and the sport's value in discussions with government and regulators. Arad's Cardiff base made it a natural fit for a Wales-specific assessment.
Services and Methodology
The company's core service lines are economic impact assessment, social and market research, programme and policy evaluation, and data analysis and evidence synthesis. It typically combines these capabilities, using surveys, interviews, focus groups and administrative datasets to produce accessible, policy-relevant findings. This gives Arad Research a full-service research model common among established UK consultancies.
Market Position
Arad Research's value to the iGaming and betting sector lies in its credibility as a neutral, third-party evidence provider. In an industry where regulatory scrutiny is high, independent research that can withstand public and regulatory review is a distinct service category, and Arad operates within that niche rather than as a commercial vendor to operators. Its publication record consists of research reports and evaluations rather than consumer platforms or products.
The name is shared with several unrelated entities, most prominently Arad Ltd, an Israeli water-metering technology group. Arad Research operates primarily in the UK, with a strong focus on Wales, and is not known to have been involved in any major merger or acquisition activity.
Key Products
Economic impact assessment
Quantified studies of a sector's contribution to a regional or national economy, including the BHA-commissioned study of Welsh horseracing.
Social and market research
Quantitative and qualitative research, including surveys, interviews and focus groups, supporting policy and commercial decisions.
Programme and policy evaluation
Independent evaluation of publicly funded initiatives and programmes.
Data analysis and evidence synthesis
Analysis of administrative datasets and existing research to produce accessible, policy-relevant evidence.
Recent News
BHA launches independent review of horseracing's economic impact in Wales
The BHA has commissioned an independent study into horseracing's economic impact in Wales, with Cardiff-based Arad set to survey the industry and racegoers before delivering a bilingual report this autumn. The work is funded by Arena Racing Company and Chester Race Company.
2026-07-31