The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced that a one-day joint strike will be held on Wednesday, September 10, cancelling four races in protest against the Treasury's proposed reforms to remote gambling and gaming taxes. Races at Carlisle, Lingfield, Uttoxeter, and Kempton racecourses will be suspended, a move expected to result in a revenue loss of about £200,000 ($271,028) for the day, considered a rare move in modern horseracing history.
This protest stems from industry concerns that if the new remote gambling tax rate is raised to 21%, it will be on par with the tax rates for casinos and slot machines, while the current sports betting tax rate is 15%. The BHA points out that the higher tax rate would significantly reduce industry financial support, potentially affecting about 85,000 national jobs. Studies show that a 21% tax rate could reduce annual revenue by £66 million, £97 million at 25%, and even as high as £160 million at 40%.
It is noteworthy that this strike occurs the day before the opening of the Betfred St Leger Festival, one of the significant events in the sports world. Jim Mullen, CEO of the Racecourse Association, stated: "The industry is united, hoping the government will seriously consider the potential harm this tax could cause." Martin Cruddace, CEO of Arena Racing Company, added: "Faced with constantly changing taxation and regulation, we must continue to take action to secure the future."
However, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) criticized the strike, warning that race adjustments made without operator consultation could infuriate the government and affect the betting experience. The BGC stated: "Futile political posturing will only anger the government... and could potentially push customers towards unsafe, unregulated black markets."
The BGC represents about 90% of the UK's regulated gambling industry, contributing £6.8 billion to the economy annually, generating £4 billion in taxes, and providing £350 million in funding to the horseracing industry. In June 2025, the BGC welcomed the online gambling platform CopyBet, further consolidating its position as a major trade body in the industry.
