14 January 2017

British Horseracing will benefit from mandatory contributions from all major gambling businesses that take bets on the sport in this country, UK Sports Minister Tracey Crouch announced today.

The move will ensure that any gambling business that takes bets from consumers based in Britain on races held in this country will pay 10 per cent of their gross profits from racing, above the first £500,000 they make, to support the sport and the equine industry.

It will be enforced via a reformed statutory Horserace Betting Levy. The Levy has been in existence since 1961 but has become outdated. Under the current levy system offshore online betting businesses that take bets on British racing are under no statutory obligation to contribute to horseracing, although some make voluntary contributions.

The government intends to introduce the new funding scheme in April 2017. This is subject to receiving state aid approval for these proposals.

Today’s announcement follows consultation with both the betting and racing industries and will ensure a level playing field amongst gambling operators that are based in Britain and those that are offshore.

UK Sports Minister Tracey Crouch said:

This move will help secure the future of horseracing in Britain by making sure that gambling firms pay a fair return to support the sport. Horseracing has a strong heritage in this country, employing thousands of people and is enjoyed by many almost every day of the year. This new approach to the Horserace Betting Levy will help sustain and develop the sport.

The levy will support funding for a range of areas including prize money, integrity, equine welfare, veterinary science and the mental and physical wellbeing of participants.

The levy scheme will apply to all operators who offer bets on British horseracing by GB-based customers, including pool betting, betting exchanges, on-course bookmakers and on spread bets.

UK Sports Minister will also review the rate set within seven years of the legislation coming into force to ensure that it reflects any future changes in the market.

UK Government intends to transfer responsibility for collecting the Levy to the Gambling Commission in early 2018, that will mean that the Horserace Betting Levy Board will be wound up.

The levy funding will be passed on by UK Gambling Commission to a nominated Racing Authority, that will act on behalf of British racing and be responsible for making decisions on spend.