British Horseracing Welcomes Decision Not To Raise Betting Tax

[Wandering Eyes]

The British Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed on Wednesday that remote betting on British horseracing will be exempt from tax rises and remain at 15%. The British horseracing industry welcomed the news.

The British Horseracing Authority said in a statement, “It is welcome that the Chancellor has today rightly recognised the vital importance of racing as a cultural, social and economic asset and acted to help secure the sport's long-term future.

“The Chancellor's positive decision recognises the potential damage to our sport, and the jobs supported by it, if the Government followed through on its proposal to “harmonise” remote gambling taxes and place horserace betting at the same rate as online casino betting.

“While the BHA led the sport's response to the Treasury's consultation, it was an all-of-sport effort to come together in a way which demonstrated the strength and solidarity of racing when collaborating with a shared purpose. We are grateful that the Treasury and No10 have listened to racing, speaking as one, and acted to protect the future of racing.

“We also note the increases in other gambling duties for the betting industry a result of the Budget, given the Government's need to raise more money from general taxation. The relationship between racing and betting remains as important as ever and we will be working with our partners in the betting industry to understand the impact of this on British racing.

“The BHA will now analyse the Budget documents in greater detail to establish whether there are any other potential issues that may impact racing.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Government to champion our sport and ensure that British racing can support its agenda for growth moving forward.”

BHA acting chief executive Brant Dunshea said, “Today's welcome outcome demonstrates that the Chancellor has listened to our concerns and rightly recognised that racing is a unique national asset – culturally, socially and economically – and we welcome this support.

“Betting on racing is an integral part of the enjoyment of our sport, and maintaining the rate of horserace betting duties is an important step by the Government to help preserve revenue streams and protect the 85,000 jobs supported by the racing across the country.

“Racing has been part of the British way of life for hundreds of years.  It binds our communities together in shared experience, it brings joy to millions. It puts the country on the world stage. It is right that the Government has understood this and acted accordingly.

“At the same time, we recognise that the increase in general taxation on the betting industry may have trickle-down effects on racing. We will work with our partners in the betting industry to understand the implications of this, and how we can work together to ensure that British horseracing continues to thrive.”

BHA chair Lord Charles Allen said, “I would like to commend the Chancellor and the Government for listening to the concerns of British racing and offering their clear support for our sport.

“I would like to thank everyone who has played their part across the sport, standing as one to communicate our message.

“Following the clarity offered today by Government, we look forward to working with ministers and their officials, and the betting industry, to explore how we can continue to grow and promote British racing to a wider audience.

“The Government has rightly recognised that we are not only a vital part of the fabric of the British way of life, but we are also a global leader and one of the country's most important soft power levers. We want to maintain Britain's place on the world stage.”

Racecourse Association (RCA) chief executive David Armstrong said, “The RCA welcomes the decision taken by the Chancellor in today's Budget to exempt remote betting on British horseracing from planned tax rises.

“All stakeholders within our sport were united on the damage that would have been caused should a tax increase be levied. For racecourses, we are pleased that the vital socio-economic importance of these venues to communities across Great Britain have been acknowledged.

“While the horseracing exemption is welcome, our sport still faces significant challenges which will need to be addressed. We are working closely with the British Horseracing Authority and other stakeholders to understand the wider implications of other areas of the Budget and the impact these could have on both our sport and racecourses.”

Arena Racing Company (ARC) chief executive Martin Cruddace said, “We have been clear throughout that harmonisation of tax rates of British racing and other betting and gaming products would gravely impact our industry. As a sport and industry, we continue to offer a real contribution to this country, supporting communities and culture.

“I am so glad that the Government has recognised that fact and helped put our sport on a path to growth.

“We would like to acknowledge the strong support that we have received across Parliament, particularly from a number of MPs around our racecourse communities, especially Sally Jameson, the MP for Doncaster and Jack Rankin the MP for Windsor.”

National Trainers Federation (NTF) chief executive Paul Johnson said, “The Government's decision to leave racing's remote betting tax rate unchanged is one that we view with considerable relief. On behalf of British racehorse trainers, I welcome the Treasury recognising the economic damage that an increase would have inflicted on the industry and responding to avoid such an outcome.

“That said, we must accept that more will be needed for the industry to turn around the decline that we are in at present, with the sport continuing to be financially disadvantaged relative to other jurisdictions.  Today's budget sees us live to fight another day, but the sport has work to do, alongside Government, if we are to create a more prosperous future.

“I would like to thank trainers for their considerable input into the sport's coordinated lobbying efforts over recent months. It is critical that participant voices continue to be heard in shaping policy at a sport and government level.”

Jockey Club chief executive Jim Mullen said, “We commend both the Government for recognising the unique cultural and economic contribution our sport makes to communities up and down the country, and the BHA for their leadership in uniting our industry to address this important issue.

“Today's budget will have wide-reaching impacts and our focus will now be on understanding those impacts on our business as we plan for 2026.”

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