Over 100 Labour MPs have urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to implement gambling tax reforms proposed by former PM Gordon Brown, targeting both betting shops and online operators. Industry leaders warn that these higher taxes could devastate the UK’s high street betting shops, risking tens of thousands of jobs and potentially collapsing the sector. British horseracing, which relies heavily on income from betting shops, could lose up to 75% of its funding, threatening the sport’s financial viability. Analysts predict the tax hikes would exceed the sector’s annual profits by 1.3 times, making it unsustainable for most shops to remain open and potentially driving gamblers to unregulated black-market alternatives.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) opposes the increased betting tax on racing and emphasizes that its engagement with critics is aimed at preserving racing’s social license rather than endorsing broader reforms. The campaign against the tax has gained significant media attention, including a high-profile Westminster protest and a ‘blank day’ of racing. Supporters are encouraged to contact local MPs using a template letter provided by Racing TV to voice concerns about the proposed “racing tax,” highlighting the widespread industry and political efforts to protect the sector from damaging fiscal changes.