British horse racing is set to hold a one-day strike on 10 September, canceling four race meetings in protest against the UK Treasury’s proposed gambling tax reform. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) opposes raising the betting tax rate from 15% to 21%, arguing it would cause significant financial harm, potentially reducing annual funding by £66 million and threatening thousands of jobs. The strike, timed just before the Betfred St Leger Festival, aims to highlight the economic risks, as the industry contributes £4.1 billion annually and supports 85,000 jobs.

Opposing the strike, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) calls it a futile political gesture that might push bettors toward unregulated markets. Representing 90% of the UK betting and iGaming sector, the BGC emphasizes its substantial economic and tax contributions, including £350 million annually to racing. With the government yet to decide on the tax changes, the strike underscores the deep divisions within the industry as stakeholders seek to influence Westminster’s decision.