Racing industry in Britain initiates historic boycott in response to increases in betting taxes
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced an unprecedented one-day strike on September 10, 2025, cancelling all races in protest against a proposed tax hike on horse racing betting duties. This significant rise, from the current 15% to 21%, aligns with the rate paid by online gaming operators [1][3].
The BHA warns that the tax increase threatens the financial viability of British horse racing, which is already in a precarious position. The rise could be catastrophic for the sport, putting thousands of jobs at risk and resulting in millions of pounds lost to the British economy. The tax hike would directly reduce the funds returned to the racing industry from betting revenues, which are crucial for sustaining racing and related communities [1][3].
The BHA's campaign, named "Axe the Racing Tax," aims to highlight the potential fallout if the budget changes remain as they are. The campaign is supported by leaders, jockeys, trainers, and owners who will head to Westminster to voice their concerns [3].
The sport of horseracing employs about 85,000 people and contributes £4.1bn ($5.5bn) to the UK economy [2]. Beyond the BHA, the broader racing industry faces severe consequences if the tax rise proceeds. The tax change is part of a government plan to simplify UK remote gambling taxes by replacing multiple rates with a single 21% tax [1][3].
The industry fears this will undermine the cultural and economic fabric of British racing, which has never before gone on strike in protest. The Treasury insists the move aims to reduce bureaucracy rather than raise taxes but remains open to stakeholder feedback [1][3].
The proposed tax hikes pose a major threat to the BHA and the wider British horse racing industry’s economic health. If implemented, the BHA anticipates a possible £330m ($446m) revenue drop in the initial five years after the changes [1][3].
The impact of the tax hike will not be limited to the UK. Britain is a significant market for the Irish racing industry, and any drop in its fortunes would also hurt people in Ireland. Prominent breeder John O'Connor is asking Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) to boycott races on September 10 in solidarity with the British racing industry [1].
The BHA's decision to boycott wasn't made lightly, considering the precarious financial position of racing in the UK. Scheduled meetings at Kempton Park, Uttoxeter, Carlisle, and Lingfield Park won't take place on September 10 and will need rescheduling [1].
This controversy is part of a broader debate about gambling tax rises. The Treasury expects £202 million extra per year from various gambling tax increases from 2025 to 2028, but critics warn punters may either pay more or move to black market operators [2]. The horse racing tax hike is central to this controversy given the sport’s reliance on betting revenues.
References: 1. BBC News. (2025). Horse racing to strike over tax rise. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58900724 2. The Guardian. (2025). Horse racing tax rise: Treasury plans to raise £202m from gambling tax changes. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/mar/01/horse-racing-tax-rise-treasury-plans-to-raise-202m-from-gambling-tax-changes 3. The Telegraph. (2025). Horse racing to boycott September 10 in protest at tax rise. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/03/01/horse-racing-boycott-september-10-protest-tax-rise/
Read also:
- Discusses Rasmus Sojmark's thoughts on the Legends Charity Game before SBC Summit
- Stone mining has transformed the once renowned 'Sada Pathor' into a desolate, post-apocalyptic landscape.
- The Developmental Journey of Digital Supply Chains
- In the Heart of Soho, Manhattan, a New Brewery Emerges Underground
