British Horse Racing made a stance against the proposed tax changes on Wednesday 10th September 2025 with no British Racing. A giant white horse and a van with the message “Axe The Racing Tax” circled Parliament Square marking a major protest by the Racing industry. This was the first time races were cancelled to highlight opposition to government plans to gambling taxes which racing leaders say will have a negative impact on the sport.
The industry supports 85,000 jobs and contributes billions to the economy, the British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) stresses that the sport must be treated differently to other forms of gambling. The higher betting taxes could damage a sport with high costs of horse training compared to low overheads of online casinos.
Tensions within the strike with bookmakers represented by the Betting and Gaming Council distanced themselves from the protest highlighting that racing acted without consulting them. They argued that all forms of gambling should be taxed the same. The friction with racing and bookmakers extended to some people in racing engaging in anti-gambling campaigners; bookmakers currently contribute £350 million a year to the sport.
Some Labour MP’s voiced support but government ministers stayed away. The campaigners are hoping racing will get lighter taxes compared to riskier gambling products like online slots so will that be the case when the November budget is released?
The divide within racing saw leaders like Arena Racing Company’s Martin Cruddace are seen as sympathetic to reform groups while others like the Jockey Club remain opposed.
The government is still considering the tax reform with the racing industry fearing higher taxes on betting will weaken its main source of income while betting firms worry about higher levies across the industry. People observing the proposal warn both industries are at risk as the pressure against anti gambling grows.