The British horse racing industry is sounding the alarm over a proposed tax change that campaigners warn will push the sport into irreversible decline.
The Labour Government’s plan to align the tax rate on horse race betting with that of online casinos has sparked widespread concern across the sector, prompting a nationwide campaign under the banner #AxeTheRacingTax.
Currently, bets placed on horseracing online are taxed at 15%, while online gaming such as digital slot machines face a 21% rate. The Treasury’s proposed reforms would consolidate these into a single Remote Betting and Gaming Duty, increasing the tax on horseracing betting to the higher 21% rate.
Industry Impact
Campaigners, including the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and a growing coalition of supporters, argue that the measure would cost British racing at least £66 million per year, with a projected £330 million loss over five years. The ramifications, they say, would be devastating for the 85,000 jobs the sport supports, from stable staff and trainers to farriers, feed suppliers, and hospitality businesses near racecourses.
A spokesperson for the Great British PAC, which has publicly backed the campaign, called the Government’s plan “a misguided tax raid that will harm livelihoods and hollow out a proud British tradition.”
“Horseracing is more than just a sport – it’s a cherished part of British culture and heritage,” the spokesperson said. “To treat it the same as online casino gambling is not only unfair—it’s economically and culturally reckless. This isn’t just about horses; it’s about people, jobs, and communities up and down the country.”
Cultural and Economic Importance
As the second most attended spectator sport in the UK, horseracing attracts millions of fans each year and contributes over £4 billion to the national economy. Yet, stakeholders warn it is already on shaky financial ground. Racing betting turnover has dropped by 25% in two years, equivalent to a £1.6 billion loss, largely due to stricter affordability checks that have driven punters to unregulated markets.
The BHA points out that Britain’s racing sector receives the lowest percentage of betting income of any major racing nation, with less than 3% of the £12 billion bet annually returning to the sport.
Smaller Racecourses at Risk
The proposed tax hike would affect all 59 racecourses in Great Britain, with particular concern for smaller venues and the rural economies they sustain. Communities from Newton Abbot in Devon to Perth in Scotland are expected to be hit hardest.
“Taxing betting on racing further means bookmakers will pass less funding back into the sport,” warns the campaign website. “That translates to smaller prize pools, fewer race days, and ultimately fewer jobs.”
Call to Action
In response, the #AxeTheRacingTax campaign has launched a public petition urging the Government to abandon the policy. Supporters can sign at change.org/p/axetheracingtax-back-british-horseracing.
The Great British PAC joins other industry voices in encouraging the public to stand behind a sport that is deeply woven into the national fabric.
“British racing isn’t just about the Grand National or Royal Ascot—it’s about everyday people in everyday towns who rely on this sport,” the PAC spokesperson said. “We urge the Government to back British racing, not break it.”
For more information, visit the campaign website at www.axetheracingtax.com or learn more about the BHA’s role at britishhorseracing.com.
