The stakes were high not only in the betting ring but also in political efforts to safeguard British horseracing’s future, as Bath’s MP stepped forward to voice strong opposition to a proposed tax overhaul that could cost the industry £66 million.
Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, visited Bath Racecourse on Monday, September 30, where she met with Executive Director Hannah Chree to discuss the potentially devastating impact of the government’s plan to consolidate three distinct betting duties into a single Remote Betting and Gaming Duty.
Chree warned that this change could slash nearly £66 million from the racing industry’s revenue and lead to the loss of close to 1,000 jobs. She emphasized the vital role of the Horserace Betting Levy—a tax on bookmakers’ profits that funds prize money, employment, veterinary research, and equine welfare—in sustaining the industry’s unique and symbiotic relationship with betting.
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“British horseracing is a cherished national institution with centuries of history, embedded deeply in our cultural fabric unlike any other sport,” Chree stated.
She argued that taxing horseracing bets at the same elevated rate as online slots would push bookmakers to promote cheaper, more addictive gambling products, stripping away the cultural and community value racing provides.
The proposed reforms could also impose an additional £40 million tax burden on online betting operators, forcing them to tighten margins and reduce customer incentives — a blow to a sector already reeling from a £1.6 billion drop in online racing bets over the past two years.
On October 16 in Parliament, Hobhouse echoed these concerns, cautioning the government against “pulling the rug out” from under horseracing during a critical period.
She said, “We Liberal Democrats see a clear difference between harms caused by horse race betting and online gaming slots. Our approach focuses on doubling the remote gaming duty rate rather than blindly aligning tax rates, which seems a blunt and damaging strategy.”
Hobhouse has formally requested the Chancellor disclose discussions held with the racing industry and urged a full parliamentary debate ahead of the autumn Budget.
Bath Racecourse, perched on Lansdown Hill as the UK’s highest flat racing venue, runs over 20 race meetings annually. Besides racing, it supports 200 staff and hosts concerts, family days, and fine dining events.
Chree concluded, “British horseracing contributes £4.1 billion annually to the UK economy, generates £300 million in tax revenue, and supports 85,000 jobs nationwide. Locally, Bath Racecourse employs 200 people and is a point of pride for the community. With nearly five million visitors attending 59 racecourses each year, horseracing is the nation’s second most popular sport. The proposed tax measures threaten this vital industry’s future and the livelihoods it supports.”