Racing events on September 10th are relocated by the British Horseracing Authority in protest of taxes
British Horse Racing Stages Unprecedented One-Day Strike Against Proposed Tax Hike
British horse racing is set for an unprecedented one-day strike on September 10, 2025, to protest a proposed government tax rise on horse racing betting from 15% to 21%, aligning with taxes on online gaming operators. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is campaigning strongly against this tax increase, warning it threatens the future of the sport.
The proposed tax rise would mean bookmakers pay £2.10 in tax on every £10 bet on racing online, up from £1.50 currently, although on-course bets are unaffected. The BHA warns the tax hike could lead to serious negative impacts, including around 2,752 job losses in the first year due to reduced revenue, a potential £330 million loss in revenue over five years for the racing industry, and reduced income from sponsors and bookmakers to support the sport, causing a decline in investment, promotion, and public interest.
Martin Cruddace, CEO of Arena Racing Company, described the tax plan as an existential threat to the horse racing industry. Paul Johnson of the National Trainers Federation argues that equating horse racing betting with online slots is a false dichotomy, given racing's cultural significance, employment contribution, and lower levels of gambling-related harm.
The strike, including cancellations of scheduled race meetings at multiple venues, is an unprecedented protest aimed at urging the government to reconsider the tax rise to protect jobs and the sport’s sustainability. However, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) warns that political gestures and fixture cancellations risk antagonizing the government and inconveniencing punters, rather than producing solutions.
The BGC, which represents many of the UK's leading betting companies, stresses the need for a collaborative approach rather than unilateral action. They warn that additional costs could drive customers towards unregulated markets, providing no revenue to the sport or Treasury and offering no consumer safeguards.
The St Leger Festival at Doncaster, one of the sport's most significant annual events, will not take place on its original date due to the BHA's actions. Lingfield Park's race meeting has been rescheduled for 8 September, while the 15 September fixture at Kempton Park has been further rescheduled for 18 September. Carlisle's race meeting has been rescheduled for 9 September, and Uttoxeter's race meeting has been rescheduled for 11 September. Kempton Park's original race meeting on 10 September has been rescheduled for 15 September.
The regulated betting industry contributes £6.8bn to the UK economy, generates £4bn in tax, and supports over 100,000 jobs. It also contributes £350m annually to the racing sector. Jim Mullen, the Jockey Club's CEO, urges the government to consider the potential harm the tax increase could cause to horse racing, a successful British sport.
The BHA's CEO, Brant Dunshea, stated that the decision to suspend racing was necessary to demonstrate the seriousness of the threat to the industry. The BGC challenges the BHA's decision and criticizes it for failing to consult betting operators before announcing fixture cancellations.
[1] The Guardian. (2025). Horse racing to stage one-day strike over government tax rise. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/aug/20/horse-racing-to-stage-one-day-strike-over-government-tax-rise
[2] Racing Post. (2025). BHA warns of £330m revenue loss and 3,000 job cuts due to tax hike. Retrieved from https://www.racingpost.com/news/racing/bha-warns-of-330m-revenue-loss-and-3000-job-cuts-due-to-tax-hike/464803
[3] Sky News. (2025). Horse racing to stage one-day strike over tax hike. Retrieved from https://news.sky.com/story/horse-racing-to-stage-one-day-strike-over-tax-hike-12517482
[4] BBC News. (2025). Horse racing to stage one-day strike over tax hike. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-50355620.amp
[5] The Independent. (2025). Horse racing to stage one-day strike over tax hike. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/horse-racing-strike-tax-hike-bha-b1809540.html
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