UK Horse Racing Canceled Today, Strike Protests Tax Hikes

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has made good on its promise to strike, with all horse racing in the UK canceled today, September 10.

Racing had been scheduled at four venues: Uttoxeter, Lingfield, Kempton, and Carlisle, but the BHA announced all meetings would be suspended last month.

The strike is in protest over a proposed tax hike that will increase the tax on horse racing and sports betting from 15% to 21%. This would bring the rate in line with online casinos in the UK.

The move to go on strike was agreed between the BHA and the two bodies that oversee racing at the venues, Jockey Club Racecourses and Arena Racing Company.

‘Axe the Racing Tax’ Campaign Calls for Support

In a campaign titled “Axe the Racing Tax,” the BHA is calling for support in a petition on its site. To date, it has over 12,000 signatures.

The campaign states that: “This proposed ‘racing tax’ would cost the sport at least £66 million a year and threaten thousands of jobs, from stable staff and farriers to small-town hotels and local pubs.”

BHA acting chief executive Brant Dunshea is at Westminster today, leading a protest against the tax. Speaking to Sky Sports Racing on Monday, he commented: “We’re trying to create a space when leaders from across the sport, stakeholders and participants can come together at the heart of government, in Westminster, and sound out our clear message to government around the proposal to harmonise the betting duties.”

Racing TV, which would have broadcast the races, has joined the campaign. The channel, owned by Racecourse Media Group, set up its own site for supporters to email their MP directly opposing the tax increase.

The company reported that over 3,000 emails had been sent to MPs in mid-July. Nick Mills, CEO of Racecourse Media Group, said: “The fact that 3,000 emails have been sent to 615 of 650 MPs, which sit in Parliament, in just over 10 days shows the strength of opposition to the racing tax. We are calling on MPs to make their constituents’ deep concerns known to the Chancellor, DCMS and No. 10.”

MPs Consider Further Tax Increases With Public Backing

The campaigns, however, may not be making the desired impact. The Mirror reported that a poll shows 64% of the British public support the idea of increasing taxes on gambling companies.

Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown backed recommendations to increase taxes to as much as 50% on gambling. The proposal, based on research conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), suggests a tax of 50% on online casinos and slots, as well as upping the tax on sports betting to 25%.

The IPPR claims that the additional revenue collected could be used to combat child poverty.

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) spoke out against the proposal, claiming that a drastic tax increase would have “untold damage.” The organization, of which the BHA and gambling companies are members, released its own survey data, showing 74% of gamblers believe betting is part of British culture.

BGC CEO Grainne Hurst also stated that a tax hike will only serve to push bettors to use unregulated offshore sites. She added: “Only balanced regulations and a stable tax regime can safeguard consumers, secure jobs, and ensure betting and gaming continues to be a responsible, growing sector, and a proud part of Britain’s cultural heritage.”