The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (Ian Murray)
I am repeating the following written ministerial statement made today in the other place by my noble Friend the Minister for Museums, Heritage and Gambling and Department for Culture, Media and Sport Lords Minister, Baroness Twycross:
The Government recognise the significant contribution that racing makes to the nation’s economy and sporting landscape. Britain is the birthplace of modern horse racing, and British racing is world-leading and includes sporting jewels such as the grand national and Royal Ascot. It is the second most attended sport in Great Britain, and saw increased attendances in 2025.
Horseracing is the only sport in receipt of a direct Government-mandated levy, which helps to drive improvements in the sport. The horserace betting levy is paid by bookmakers with annual gross profits on British horseracing of over £500,000, at a rate of 10%. The levy is collected by the horserace betting levy board, and directed towards supporting breeds of horses, the advancement or encouragement of veterinary science and education, and the improvement of horse racing. Last year’s levy yield was £108 million, which exceeds the previous year’s figure of £105 million. The Government last introduced changes to the levy in 2017 by regulations made under the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014, which made a commitment to a further levy review by 24 April 2024. That review was undertaken by the last Government by the 2024 deadline, and this statement sets out the conclusions of that review.
First, in the light of the recent changes to gambling taxation, we want to provide stability and certainty to the gambling sector. For this reason, the Government do not feel it is appropriate to pursue legislative changes to the rate of the horserace betting levy at this time. Secondly, we do not support the extension of the levy to overseas racing. This is because the combination of the existing levy and commercial opportunities already appropriately reflects the specific relationship between the racing and betting industries in Great Britain.
A sustainable future for British horseracing is the shared goal of the betting and racing industries and joint action is required to achieve this.
The Government are steadfast in their support for racing. We welcome initiatives to improve the governance structure within the sport, modernise the fixture list and improve horse welfare. We will continue to support the BHA and wider racing stakeholders to achieve these aims. British racing is the envy of the world and we would encourage the industry to work as one—and with the betting industry—to ensure a sustainable future to ensure the continued success of this national treasure.
[HCWS1450]