Increased betting tax could prove to be a hurdle too far

The contentious government proposal may well devastate this integral part of British culture

- writes Jonathan Doidge

The Treasury is currently consulting on plans to replace the existing structure of online gambling duties – which is comprised of three bands – with a catchall Remote Betting and Gaming Duty.

At present, there is a 15 per cent duty, but there are grave concerns that the government-induced changes could see it brought into line with the rate of tax on games of chance, such as online casino and slot machines, which is 6 per cent higher.

Economic analysis commissioned by the British Horseracing Authority showed that the sport could lose £66m in income through the levy, media rights and sponsorship because bookmakers would be likely to respond by offering inferior-value prices and reduce budgets for such things as marketing and advertising.

Horse racing is a sport that is part of the very fabric of British culture. Its two codes, Flat and National Hunt, have been supported by monarchs and other royals for centuries. It also courted Keir Starmer, who last September became the first serving prime minister since Winston Churchill to attend the St Leger. Now, similar to one of the PM's current political allies, it has had a change of heart and is taking a more combative approach.