The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has expressed concerns about a report from the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), which shows that the number of participants in unlicensed horse racing betting sites in the UK is continuously increasing.
In fact, this latest study, conducted by IFHA's research director James Porteous, considered the growth data of many legal and unlicensed or illegal horse racing betting sites in the UK market.
The survey considered 10 licensed legal sites that saw a 49% increase in unique visits from 2021 to 2024. However, during the same period, the total unique visits to the 22 unlicensed illegal sites included in the study grew by 522%.
Moreover, over these four years, the total number of visits to illegal sites also increased by 131%, while visits to legal sites only increased by 25%.
The British Horseracing Association has now responded to the results of this study, reiterating that although the illegal horse racing betting market represents only a small part of the entire industry, its recent growth rate is concerning. The statement also noted that the sharp increase in black market activities could be a sign of recent industry regulatory strengthening—similar trends have been reported in other global jurisdictions.
Brant Dunshea, acting CEO of the British Horseracing Association, commented on this development, saying: "Since the review of the 'Gambling Act' began, the British Horseracing Association has repeatedly warned that well-intentioned policy decisions could have unintended consequences for our sport, including inadvertently increasing the threat of illegal market activities. This study undoubtedly shows that this concerning threat is becoming a reality. For every racing customer who leaves the legal market and turns to the illegal market, they are putting themselves at greater risk, and consumer rights and protections are reduced.
"Unlicensed operators also do not make any financial contributions to the British horse racing ecosystem or finances. Although we note that the committee has increased enforcement efforts in recent months, we will still share these survey results with the government and hope that the government will work with us to encourage bettors to stay in the legal market amid the increasingly serious leakage phenomenon. This study further reminds us that gambling regulation must be balanced and moderate, allowing those who bet on horse racing to gamble without interference."
It is worth noting that this development follows the announcement that BHA participant fees will increase by 3.9% in 2025
Furthermore, in December 2024, Brant Dunshea announced that he will take over as the interim CEO of BHA, also serving as the Chief Regulatory Officer. This development occurred after Julie Harrington announced her resignation, her term was four years, ending on December 31, 2024.
The end of last year was a busy period for the agency, which also announced the appointment of Alan Switzer as the new Chief Financial Officer in November.
