Due to a strike by horse racing industry participants protesting against the proposed increase in gambling taxes, France has canceled the originally scheduled horse racing events.
Moreover, due to dissatisfaction with the proposal to increase gambling taxes (specifically targeting horse racing taxes) presented in the 2025 budget, another demonstration is planned in Paris.
The budget aims to address France's rapidly deteriorating budget deficit, including a plan proposed by French Prime Minister Michel Barnier to increase taxes by 20 billion euros (21.5 billion dollars) while cutting 40 billion euros in spending.
Although the initial budget did not include taxes on gambling and horse racing, this tax was later added as an amendment, which intensified dissatisfaction within the industry. French Budget Minister Laurent Saint Martin stated that he "does not wish to tax the horse racing industry."
The French Horse Racing Association and the French Horse Racing Association stated in a declaration yesterday: "Although the amendment to increase the horse racing gambling tax was rejected, it is crucial to exert pressure on the government and elected representatives."
It is worth noting that French horse racing events have previously been canceled only during the World Wars and the pandemic.
"This issue is likely to be raised again at the Senate or any other stage of the budget approval process, and it is crucial that we make it clear to all politicians through strong mobilization on Thursday that we will not give up, as our jobs are at stake."
In fact, the budget is currently undergoing a lengthy review process in the French Parliament.
Earlier this April, the French Horse Racing Association collaborated with 1/ST Forge Alliance, aiming to strengthen international participation and horse racing events between France and North America. Additionally, there has been news that Finland announced earlier this week plans to develop a fully regulated horse racing environment, as part of its plan to open a new non-monopoly gambling market by 2026.
