UK Keeps Horse Racing Levy Unchanged to Industry Dismay

The UK government has decided to maintain the Horserace Betting Levy at its current level following the conclusion of a long-awaited review. However, the decision provoked criticism from racing authorities.

UK Maintains 10% Levy on Horse Racing Bets

Ian Murray delivered the announcement to Parliament, relaying findings from a review led by Baroness Twycross. Ministers concluded that the current 10% levy on bookmakers’ profits from British horseracing will remain in place, with no immediate plans for reform.

The levy applies to operators generating more than GBP 500,000 ($667,878) from bets on domestic racing. The Horserace Betting Levy Board distributes funds to support breeding, veterinary research, and improvements across the sport. Revenues reached GBP 108 million ($144,2 million) last year, marking a modest increase from the previous period.

Stability within the wider gambling sector was a key factor behind the decision, according to the government. Recent tax changes, including adjustments to betting duties, were cited as reasons to avoid further regulatory shifts. Officials also rejected calls to expand the levy to cover wagers on international racing. They argued that the current framework already reflects the relationship between bookmakers and British racing.

UK Horse Racing Faces Funding Concerns Amid Policy Dispute

Horse racing remains a key part of the UK’s sporting identity, drawing large crowds and global attention through events such as the Grand National and Royal Ascot. Ministers stressed their continued backing for the sector and highlighted efforts to improve governance, race scheduling, and animal welfare.

The response from the British Horseracing Authority has been critical, though. Chief executive Brant Dunshea expressed frustration over both the length of the review process and its outcome. He indicated that the sport had spent years engaging with policymakers and presenting evidence that its financial returns from betting fall short of rising operational costs.

Dunshea also pointed to a disparity between Britain and other major racing nations, noting that jurisdictions such as France and Ireland secure a higher share of betting-related income for their racing industries. In contrast, he argued, the effective return to British racing remains low.

Another concern raised by the BHA relates to regulatory measures such as affordability checks on gamblers. Dunshea warned that tighter restrictions could push bettors toward unregulated markets, which would reduce funding for racing while also having an impact on tax revenues.

The government maintains that cooperation between the betting and racing sectors will be essential for long-term sustainability. Yet the latest decision appears to have deepened tensions, with industry leaders calling for a reassessment of policies they believe could shape the sport’s financial future.