New research published today [July 28] reveals the destructive impact the Treasury’s proposed tax rises on horserace betting could have on the sport – predicting a catastrophic £330 million revenue hit to the industry in the first five years, and 2,752 jobs at risk in the first year alone.
In a wake-up call for Government, the latest research commissioned by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) reveals an even more devastating economic outlook than initial reports suggested, particularly for racing towns across Britain.
Yorkshire alone, home to nine racecourses including Doncaster and York, is predicted to suffer a £37 million economic hit in the first five years, with 342 jobs immediately at risk in the first year – from trainers and stable staff to local pub owners and hospitality workers.
It is in response to the gravest risk faced by horse racing in generations that the BHA has launched its #AxeTheRacingTax campaign.
In a strident call to arms, the campaign urges the sport and the public to come together to back British racing and stop the Government’s devastating tax hike by signing the #AxeTheRacingTax petition.
British horse racing contributes £4.1bn to the economy annually and is a cherished part of British culture, with over five million people going to the races every year. But a new proposal from the Government could send Britain’s second-best attended spectator sport into irreversible decline.
The Government is proposing to tax betting on horse racing at the same rate as online casinos – rising from 15% to 21% – although the rate could be higher depending on the Treasury’s decision. The BHA is warning that a tax rise of 21% could cost the industry £66m a year and put 2,752 people at risk of losing their jobs in the first year. Thousands more could follow.
Brant Dunshea (BHA CEO, right) said: “This latest tax bombshell from the Government, if followed through, poses one of the gravest risks to horse racing the sport has ever seen.
“The horse racing industry is already in a precarious financial position, and the latest research provides a much more catastrophic forecast than we first thought. We’re talking thousands of jobs at risk across the supply chain, severely impacted towns and communities, and the irreversible decline of the country’s second most popular sport.
“Together as an entire industry, we’re asking the British public for support in calling on the Government to rethink this policy and stop undermining a much-loved part of British heritage and culture. It’s time to axe the racing tax and back British horse racing.”
David Menuisier (trainer) said: “This move from the Government would put thousands of trainers, owners, jockeys and stable staff at risk. Racing is much more than just a sport in this country. It brings fun and excitement to millions and is a major local employer, particularly here in West Sussex as we prepare for another fantastic year at Goodwood.
“The Government needs to acknowledge the unique and significant social and economic contributions the horse racing industry makes to the country and stop risking the ecosystem that keeps this sport alive.”
Sarah Guest (yard manager for John O’Shea Racing) said: “A tax rise on betting is only going to stifle the sport. I love what I do, but if the industry starts shrinking, it will be stable staff like me who will feel it first. It’s a genuine worry, and the Government needs to understand this is going to have significant impact on everyone working in racing – not just the betting companies.”
• To help stop the racing tax and back British horse racing, the BHA is urging supporters to sign the #AxeTheRacingTax petition.
• For more information, visit the #AxeTheRacingTax website. The HM Treasury’s consultation on the Tax Treatment on Remote Gambling is also available to view here.
About the Economic Modelling Research
The independent research was conducted by Development Economics in July 2025. The economic effects on reduced levels of horse racing activity and attendances were modelled using data from national and regional economic impact assessments for the horse racing industry, alongside datasets from the Office of National Statistics and input-output coefficients sourced from national and regional input-output models. Total job loss figures represent the total number of workers affected (i.e., on a headcount basis).
• Visit the BHA website
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