BHA Ramps Up Fight Against Betting Tax Hike amid Fears of Industry Collapse

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has intensified its battle against the government’s proposed hike in remote gambling duty, warning that the planned increase would devastate the industry and decimate jobs across rural and racing-related communities. The organization continues to promote its “#AxeTheRacingTax,” hoping to gather support from fans and industry stakeholders.

Horse Racing Hubs Would Be Devastated

According to a new economic study commissioned by the BHA, the proposed tax hike could damage British horse racing by as much as £330 million ($440.8 million) over five years and threaten as many as 3,000 jobs. The report paints a bleak picture, with key racing hubs such as Yorkshire and Gloucestershire taking a substantial hit. Yorkshire, for example, stands to lose as much as £37 million ($49.4 million) and over 300 jobs in a single year.

“The horse racing industry is already in a precarious financial position, and the latest research provides a much more catastrophic forecast than we first thought.”

Brant Dunshea, BHA CEO

The contentious policy seeks to align horse racing betting tax rates with those imposed on internet casino gaming, raising the current 15% rate to at least 21%. According to the BHA, this move misunderstands the differences between sport betting and games of chance, ignoring the complex ecosystem that sustains one of Britain’s most historic industries.

The BHA has launched a new national campaign, titled “#AxeTheRacingTax,” imploring fans and industry stakeholders to push back against what it describes as a short-sighted and damaging policy. A petition is currently underway, seeking to force the government to reconsider the tax hike before the Autumn Budget.

The Broader Racing Sector Has Rallied Behind the BHA

Horseracing is one of the UK’s biggest sports in terms of spectators, attracting more than five million fans each year and contributing more than £4 billion ($5.34 billion) to the economy annually. According to the BHA, these figures are now under threat as the government is failing to consider the unintended consequences and ripple effects of such a sudden tax hike.

The BHA has received support from a coalition of high-profile racing stakeholders, including the Jockey Club, Racehorse Owners Association, and Arena Racing Company. Together, they hope that representing a united front and inspiring rising public pressure will force the government to reexamine the contentious policy before the Chancellor finalizes plans later this year.

Together, we’re asking the British public for support in calling on the Government to rethink this policy and stop undermining a much-loved part of British heritage and culture.

Brant Dunshea, BHA CEO

As the campaign gains momentum, racing leaders are preparing to take further action to make their case heard and protect one of the nation’s oldest and most beloved sports. With the Autumn Budget looming, the message from the racing sector is clear: raise the tax, and risk watching the sport wither.