Overview

• Treasury’s consultation proposes aligning racing’s current 15% remote betting duty with the 21% rate for online games of chance.
• The British Horseracing Authority this week formally opposed the plan and launched its “Axe the Racing Tax” campaign with key stakeholders.
• A BHA-commissioned economic analysis shows the duty increase could cost British racing between £66 million and £160 million annually.
• George McGrath, chief executive of the National Association of Racing Staff, warns that the rate hike would drive widespread job losses.
• Newbury chief executive Shaun Hinds cautions that reduced funding would weaken the breeding-to-racecourse ecosystem and deter owners and trainers.