More than 360 key figures from across British horseracing have signed an open letter urging the government to rethink its proposed tax overhaul. The plan would merge betting and gaming duties into a single Remote Betting & Gaming Duty (RBGD), potentially raising costs for operators and threatening the sport’s stability.
Addressed to the Chancellor, the letter warns that the reform could bring “devastating and irreversible” harm to British racing and the communities that depend on it. The Treasury is considering aligning horseracing betting taxes with the 21% rate currently applied to online casinos.
However, racing groups argue this approach ignores the existing 10% levy bookmakers already pay on racing bets. They fear that the added financial strain could cut promotional budgets, reduce levy contributions, and ultimately weaken the industry’s economic foundation.
Racing contributes an estimated £4.1 billion ($5.5bn) annually to the UK economy, supporting around 85,000 jobs and generating £300 million in tax revenue. According to industry analysis, aligning the rate at 21% could cost the sector £66 million per year, while raising it to 40% might lead to losses exceeding £160 million and more than 2,000 job cuts.
Moreover, signatories stress that the move would hit rural regions hardest, where racing remains a key employer and part of the cultural fabric.
This campaign follows earlier strike action and the ongoing #AxeTheRacingTax movement, both highlighting growing concern over the sport’s sustainability if the policy moves forward.
