The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has spoken positively of the UK Government's recently announced Autumn Budget.
Among other things, the Budget specified that horseracing general betting duty would not be increased from its current 15%, alongside self-service betting terminals, spread betting and pool bets. Other segments of the industry were not so lucky; online sports betting tax was up to 25%, while iGaming saw remote gaming duty almost double from 21% to 40%, making it one of the highest in Europe.
Still, the BHA was thankful, stating the decision 'spared the industry from any punishing increase in direct gambling taxation.'
Indeed, the BHA wrote that a rise in online horseracing tax would 'have had catastrophic implications,' which would impact the 85,000 strong, £4bn ($5.29bn) value industry.
However, the BHA will analyse the Budget further to ensure whether other factors may come to impact horseracing. Several members of the Authority gave their comments on the Budget. Among others:
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...
"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 added: "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."
Associates of the Authority also gave comment. Among others, Racecourse Association (RCA) Chief Executive David Armstrong said: "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."
These are all just some of the comments from the industry on the matter, with many others sharing their thoughts with Global Gaming Insider.
The Netherlands raised its gaming tax to 34.2% at the start of 2025 and will raise it again to 37.8% at the start of 2026. Already, the nation has faced issues with players leaving for the illegal market
