Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Betting and Gaming Duty: Horseracing

Tuesday 1 July 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sally Jameson inquired about the Government's commitment to dialogue with the horseracing industry regarding its economic impact in Doncaster.
  • The Minister confirmed the Government will continue close dialogue with the horseracing industry to address any unintended consequences of proposals.
  • Alex Easton questioned how the Government assesses the implementation of a flat rate for fairness and administrative efficiency.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sally Jameson Labour (Co-op) Doncaster Central
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Jameson highlighted the social and cultural value of horseracing, particularly in Doncaster where the St Leger festival is held. She noted that horseracing brings 85,000 jobs to the country nationally.

Question

In Doncaster, we are incredibly proud of our historic racecourse which hosts the iconic St Leger festival. I can say it is part of our local community and brings thousands of jobs. Will the Minister confirm that he will continue dialogue with the horseracing industry noting it brings 85,000 jobs to the country nationally and is the second largest spectator sport in the country, and identifying that this is very different from online casinos and games of chance?

Answer from James Murray (The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury)

Absolutely, we will continue close dialogue with the horseracing industry on these proposals. We are working closely with them to identify any unintended consequences and possible mitigations. We welcome further engagement from stakeholders such as Doncaster racecourse.

Answered
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Q2 Alex Easton Ind North Down
Taxation
Context

Easton asked about the fairness, simplification, reduction in administrative costs, and encouragement of compliance with a flat rate system.

Question

How do the Government assess the implementation of a flat rate in terms of improving fairness and simplification for all involved, reducing administrative costs and encouraging compliance?

Answer from James Murray (The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury)

One of the principles behind the reforms is to tackle issues of compliance by simplifying the system. The consultation is currently open for anyone interested in contributing towards these reforms to make their views known.

Partly answered

Not addressed: did not provide specific assessment or evidence regarding fairness, cost reduction, and encouragement of compliance

How: Under Review, Consultation Open

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