Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of harmonising remote betting and gaming duties on (a) prize money, (b) racecourse finances, (c) funding for (i) equine welfare and (ii) veterinary research supported by the Horserace Betting Levy and (d) participation and attendance for British horseracing; and what steps she is taking to help protect the sector.

The Government recognises the significant contribution that racing makes to the nation’s economy and sporting landscape.

Future proposals on gambling duties are a matter for HM Treasury. Should changes to the tax regime be announced in the Autumn Statement, we expect them to be accompanied by tax and impact notes from HM Treasury, as is standard practice.

Horseracing is the only sport in receipt of a direct government-mandated levy which helps to drive improvements in the sport. In financial year 24/25, the Levy raised £108 million for the purposes of supporting horse breeds, advancing veterinary science & education within the industry and facilitating general improvements to the sport.