The UK government has decided to maintain the Horserace Betting Levy at 10%, ending a review process that extended well beyond its anticipated timeline. Announced via a Written Ministerial Statement, the decision quashes expectations of any immediate changes to the levy framework and has sparked concern from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
Government Maintains Levy Rate and Scope
Officials cited the need for stability across the gambling sector as a primary reason for holding the rate steady. Ian Murray, minister for creative industries, media and arts, told Thoroughbred Daily News: “[I]n light of the recent changes to gambling taxation, we want to provide stability and certainty to the gambling sector. For this reason, the government does not feel it is appropriate to pursue legislative changes to the rate of the horserace betting levy at this time.”
The 10% levy applies to bookmakers earning over £500,000 in gross profits from bets on British horseracing, with funds collected by the Horserace Betting Levy Board. These contributions support breeding, veterinary research, and infrastructure projects within the sport. Recent figures indicate revenue reached £108 million, up from £105 million the previous year.
The government also confirmed that betting on overseas racing will not be included under the levy. Officials stated that existing arrangements between racing organizations and betting operators already reflect the sector’s financial relationship. The review began under the previous administration and continued for nearly two years past its expected conclusion, closing off any near-term legislative adjustments.
BHA Criticizes Levy Outcome and Funding Gap
The BHA responded critically to the decision, with CEO Brant Dunshea highlighting both the duration of the review and the unresolved funding gap. “It is disappointing that it has taken almost three years to determine there should be no change in the levy rate,” he said. Dunshea stressed that British horseracing receives significantly less from betting compared to competitors, noting returns of less than 3%, versus 7.7% in France and 8.4% in Ireland.
He also questioned the consistency of government policy. “In its pre-Budget advice to the Treasury, the DCMS also warned that ‘unless a carve-out for racing was accompanied by an increase in the Horserace Betting Levy…racing would be unlikely to feel any benefit.’ Today’s WMS leaves unexplained why, only a few months after the Budget, the DCMS now believes there is no need to change the Levy rate.”
Concerns About Regulation and Market Impact
Beyond levy considerations, Dunshea highlighted regulatory issues, including affordability checks for gamblers. “Adding more red tape to an already highly regulated sector will only fuel a significant rise in illegal betting, deprive horseracing of funding and prevent the Government collecting millions of pounds in much-needed taxation,” he said.
While the government emphasized cooperation between racing and betting stakeholders as essential for long-term sustainability, the decision has intensified debate over funding models and regulatory approaches within the UK horseracing industry.
Source:
“UK Maintains Levy Rate as Racing Raises Concerns”, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, March 27, 2026
The post UK Holds Horserace Betting Levy at 10% Amid Concerns first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.