Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (): 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 DCMS Lords
Minister, :
The Government recognises the significant contribution that
racing makes to the nation's economy and sporting landscape. As
the birthplace of modern horse racing, 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 over £500,000, at a
rate of 10%. The levy is collected by the Horserace Betting Levy
Board (HBLB), 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.
Firstly, in 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. 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 is steadfast in its 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.
