Campaigners and industry figures have warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves that proposed tax increases on online horse race betting—from 15% to 21%, aligning it with online slots and gaming—could severely damage the UK horseracing industry and rural communities. They argue that higher taxes would discourage bookmakers from promoting racing, pushing customers toward less labor-intensive and potentially more harmful online casino games. The Countryside Alliance highlights that horseracing contributes £4.1 billion to the economy and supports over 85,000 jobs, including many rural livelihoods, while the British Horseracing Authority stresses the sport’s cultural significance and lower risk of problem gambling compared to online casinos.

Opposition voices, including Reform UK and the TaxPayers’ Alliance, criticize the government’s approach as reckless and harmful to a cherished British tradition, warning of political backlash in key rural areas. The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Racing and Bloodstock cautions that the tax hike could drive gamblers to the black market and promote more damaging gambling forms. The government acknowledges horseracing’s importance and is consulting on remote gambling tax treatment, promising to consider industry feedback carefully.