Black market betting alert over gambling tax threat

THE Conservatives have warned of a rise in black market betting if Labour levies a tax on gamblers to fill Treasury coffers.

- By Matt Hardy

The Government is increasingly looking like it will need to find duty increases to announce at Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ autumn Budget.

Treasury proposals could see changes in how bookmakers are taxed, upping the amount they are charged on racing — 15% - to match the amount paid by firms operating online gambling - 21%.

Horseracing has reacted to proposed tax hikes by refusing to race on one day to take the campaign to Westminster.