Archive · 17 Aug 2025
British Horseracing to Strike Over Proposed Betting Tax Increase
British horseracing is going on strike because the government wants to change how it taxes online betting.
Currently, there are multiple taxes, but the government wants to simplify this to one tax.
The racing industry fears this new tax could increase the amount they pay, hurting their finances and potentially causing job losses.
They're worried because the tax on racing could rise, just like it is on games of chance.
This strike means races will be cancelled on a certain day to show the government how serious the problem is.
The government says it's just trying to make things simpler, and it is listening to what everyone has to say.
British horseracing will stage a one-day strike on September 10th due to proposed tax increases.
The strike involves the cancellation of scheduled race meetings at Carlisle, Uttoxeter, Lingfield, and Kempton.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is leading the 'Axe the Racing Tax' campaign.
The proposed tax change involves replacing the existing three-tax structure with a single tax.
The government says it aims to streamline online betting rules.
- Who
- British horseracing industry and the British government.
- What
- British horseracing will stage a one-day strike to protest proposed tax increases on race betting.
- When
- September 10th
- Where
- Carlisle, Uttoxeter, Lingfield, and Kempton (UK)
- Why
- To protest the government's proposed tax changes on race betting.
British Horseracing View
Government View
Tax Implications
British Horseracing View
The proposed tax increases could be 'catastrophic' to the sport and jobs.
Government View
The government's intention is to streamline existing rules to cut down bureaucracy.
- Event
- One-day strike
- Date
- September 10th
- Affected Races
- Carlisle, Uttoxeter, Lingfield, Kempton
- Organizer
- British Horseracing Authority (BHA)
- Reason for strike
- Proposed tax increase on race betting