British Racing to Stage One-Day Strike Over Proposed Gambling Tax Changes
Fixtures at Carlisle, Lingfield, Uttoxeter, and Kempton have been cancelled after an agreement was reached between the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and racecourse owners to implement a temporary blackout.
British racing will come to a standstill on Wednesday, 10 September, as the industry stages a coordinated one-day strikein protest at proposed tax reforms that could significantly impact its financial stability.
Fixtures at Carlisle, Lingfield, Uttoxeter, and Kempton have been cancelled after an agreement was reached between the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and racecourse owners to implement a temporary blackout. The move, described as unprecedented in the modern era, is expected to cost the sport around £200,000 in lost income for the day.
At the centre of the dispute is the UK Treasury’s plan to review gambling taxation. Concerns have been raised that the introduction of a new Remote Betting and Gaming Duty could see betting on horseracing taxed at 21%—the same rate currently applied to online casinos and slots. Sports betting is presently taxed at 15%.
The BHA has warned that such a change could be devastating for the racing industry, which supports an estimated 85,000 jobs across the UK. Research commissioned by the BHA suggests that a 21% duty could lead to a £66 million annual shortfall, rising to £97 million at 25% and potentially £160 million if aligned with a 40% rate.
Jim Mullen, CEO of the Jockey Club, said:
“The sport has come together today and by cancelling racing fixtures, we hope the government will take a moment to reflect on the harm this tax will cause.”
Martin Cruddace, CEO of Arena Racing Company, added:
“We have always been taxed and regulated differently and it is imperative for our future that we continue to be so.”
The protest will take place the day before one of the sport’s flagship events, the Betfred St Leger Festival at Doncaster.
However, not everyone is in support of the action. The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) criticised the strike, calling it a "futile political gesture" and warning that it could frustrate punters while damaging relations with government:
“Futile political gestures will only antagonise the Government… and risk driving customers to the unsafe, unregulated black market.”
The BGC represents approximately 90% of the UK’s regulated betting and gaming industry, which contributes £6.8 billion to the economy, generates £4 billion in taxes, and provides £350 million annually to racing.
