In a decision that has sparked significant debate across the British sporting landscape, the UK government has officially concluded its review of the Horserace Betting Levy, opting to maintain the current 10% rate.
The announcement, delivered by Baroness Twycross and Ian Murray, ends a three-year process that began under the previous administration and leaves the financial contributions from bookmakers unchanged.
A Quest for Market Stability
Government officials framed the decision as a necessary step to provide the gambling sector with certainty following recent tax updates. Ian Murray explained the reasoning:
“[I]n light of the recent changes to gambling taxation, we want to provide stability and certainty to the gambling sector. For this reason, the government does not feel it is appropriate to pursue legislative changes to the rate of the horserace betting levy at this time.”
The levy, which generated £108 million last year, will not be extended to include bets placed on overseas racing. The government maintains that current arrangements appropriately reflect the specific relationship between British racing and the betting industry.
BHA and BGC Raise Alarm Over Affordability Checks
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) expressed sharp disappointment, with CEO Brant Dunshea arguing that the government ignored clear evidence of a widening funding gap. Dunshea noted that refusing to levy overseas wagers effectively means British racing is “funding our international rivals.”
A shared concern between the BHA and the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) is the looming threat of “affordability checks” proposed by the Gambling Commission. A BGC spokesperson warned:
“If implemented as currently proposed, they will drive customers away from the regulated market and towards the illegal black market, where there are no protections for customers and no contribution to sport.”
The Horseracing Bettors Forum added that without levy reform, these checks are not a “realistic option” and could jeopardize the future of the sport.
