Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Accepted in Part
Ensure Horserace Betting Levy settlement mitigates White Paper reforms' impact on the racing industry.
Recommendation
The Government must ensure that the new settlement arising from the review of the Horserace Betting Levy mitigates the impact of the White Paper’s reforms on the racing industry and ensuring British racing’s future. We support the proposal for a distinct approach gambling sports sponsorship and advertising for horseracing and greyhound racing, given both sports’ close and long-standing relationships with betting. (Paragraph 108) Gambling research, prevention and treatment
Government Response Summary
The government has commenced the Horserace Betting Levy review to ensure appropriate funding, exploring legislative options but preferring a voluntary agreement. It notes separate measures will apply to horseracing and greyhound racing for sponsorship and advertising, with the BHA developing bespoke provisions.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
On horseracing, the Government recognises the significant contribution that racing makes to British sporting culture and its particular importance to the British rural economy. We have commenced the review of the Horserace Betting Levy, which we are required to undertake by April 2024, and will take account of the changes set out in the Gambling Act Review white paper to ensure the levy delivers an appropriate level of funding for the horseracing sector. Changes to the levy would require legislation and we are exploring legislative options. However we believe a voluntary agreement is in the best interests of the sector in the first instance. We are looking at all options and encouraging racing and betting to work together in the best interests of the sport. Reaching a mutual agreement on the way forward for the levy would be beneficial to everyone. The review will also take into account other changes such as the recently-announced 2024 Fixture List, which industry modelling projects will deliver an estimated £90 million improvement to British racing’s finances over a five-year period from 2024 to 2028. The white paper noted that separate measures will apply to horse racing and greyhound racing due to the specific and long-established nature of the sectors’ relationships with gambling operators. The BHA are signed up to the principles of the sponsorship Code and are developing bespoke provisions for British Horseracing.