5 days ago
Racing stars back Betting and Gaming Council's campaign against sports betting tax hike
RACING presenter Frankie Foster and former jockey Tom Scudamore have joined a campaign warning the Government that a proposed betting tax hike could harm British sport and push punters towards illegal gambling sites.
The pair have teamed up with the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) in a new social media campaign urging ministers to rethink the plans.
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Foster, a former Love Island contestant turned racing presenter, said: 'Betting is a major part of race day. Without it, racing wouldn't survive. BGC members contribute around £350million a year to keep the sport going.'
The Government is currently holding a consultation on plans to change how online betting and gaming is taxed.
Right now, sports betting and online gaming are taxed differently. But the new proposal could combine them into one tax - something experts say could mean higher costs for betting companies and, ultimately, punters.
The BGC argues this could drive gamblers away from safe, regulated sites to the black market, where there are no consumer protections or tax payments.
Tom Scudamore, whose family has been involved in racing for generations, warned: 'Punters know the deal - push them too hard and they won't stop betting. They'll just turn to the unregulated black market, leaving racing in the lurch.'
BGC Chief Executive Grainne Hurst added: 'Higher betting taxes could hit the lifeblood of British sport. The Government must think again before it inflicts lasting damage on sport and the wider economy.'
A recent YouGov poll for the BGC found that 65% of regular bettors think higher taxes would push more people towards unsafe gambling sites.
Another BGC-commissioned study found that 1.5m Brits are already gambling with unlicensed operators, risking up to £4.3billion a year.
These illegal sites do not pay tax or contribute to sport, and often target vulnerable people.
Currently, BGC members support over 100,000 jobs, generate £6.8billion for the economy, and pay £4 billion in tax.
They also provide millions in funding for sports, including £350m a year to British racing and £40m to the English Football League. Other sports like darts, rugby league and snooker also benefit.
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For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
