Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Remote Betting and Gaming Duty Horseracing 2025-05-22

2025-05-22

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Nick Timothy Con
West Suffolk
▸ Context
The racing industry is concerned about the proposed flat tax on all online gambling which treats betting on sports like horse racing the same as bets on online casinos, despite similar problem rates for both.
At the last oral questions, the Secretary of State said that different forms of gambling should be treated differently. However, a flat tax on all online gambling has been proposed, which fails to distinguish between betting on sports like horseracing and online casinos and gaming. Problem rates for bets on racing are about the same as for lottery scratchcards. Will the Minister commit here and now to making sure that betting on sports like racing is not treated the same as betting on online casinos and gaming?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
I am a big supporter of racing and recognise the significant contribution it makes to the British economy. The consultation on the tax treatment of remote gambling is led by His Majesty’s Treasury. It is open until 21 July and any impact assessment will be a matter for that Department.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Commitment to ensure betting on sports like horseracing is treated differently from other forms of online gambling
Reflecting Comments To The Treasury
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Sally Jameson Lab/Co-op
Doncaster Central
▸ Context
Doncaster racecourse is significant to the local economy and culture, contributing jobs and being a major spectator sport in the UK.
Following on from the question from the hon. Member for West Suffolk (Nick Timothy), can the Minister confirm that she will continue dialogue with the Treasury on the proposed flat rate of tax, recognising that horseracing—which brings 85,000 jobs to the country and is the second largest spectator sport in the UK—is very different from online casinos and games of chance?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
I absolutely will reflect those comments to the Treasury. Doncaster racecourse is important to the local community and I would be delighted to visit again if invited.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Confirmation of continued dialogue with the Treasury on proposed tax on horseracing
Reflecting Comments To The Treasury
Response accuracy