As Potential Gambling Tax Hikes Loom, 74% of UK Punters Say Betting ‘Distinctive Part’ of British Culture

A new YouGov poll commissioned by the UK’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) revealed that 74% of regular gamblers believe betting is a “distinctive part of British culture” ahead of potential tax increases that could hurt the industry.

Additionally, 31% of respondents believe the government “has too much influence over how individuals spend their disposable income.” The poll comes during a time of deep division between proponents and opponents of gambling tax hikes.

BGC CEO Grainne Hurst said: “Punters are clear, betting is not just a leisure activity, but a valued and long-standing part of Britain’s cultural and sporting landscape. From casinos to bingo, horseracing, football, rugby league, darts, and snooker, millions of adults enjoy betting safely and responsibly.”

Proponents Say Gambling Tax Hike Could Aid Child Poverty

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown used a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) as a basis for campaigning for tax increases by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the upcoming Autumn Budget.

The IPPR recommended increasing the tax rates on online casinos and slots (21% currently) and gaming machines (20%) to 50%. It also suggested lifting the general betting duty on non-racing wagers from 15% to 25%. The IPPR report stated that these changes will generate an additional £3.2 billion, which Brown said could be used to combat child poverty.

BGC: Tax Increases Will Drive More UK Gamblers to Black Market

Opponents believe that tax hikes will result in a mass exodus of British gamblers to the unregulated market. The BGC contends that many of them have already made the jump.

Hurts noted that such significant tax increases “will harm not only a cherished national pastime but also push more customers to the unsafe, unregulated gambling black market, where 1.5m Brits stake up to £4.3bn each year.”

She added: “Only balanced regulations and a stable tax regime can safeguard consumers, secure jobs, and ensure betting and gaming continues to be a responsible, growing sector, and a proud part of Britain’s cultural heritage.”

In its release of the poll’s findings, the BGC stated its membership is responsible for:

• 109,000 jobs
• Generating £6.8bn for the economy
• Raising £4bn in taxes

UK Horse Racing Strike Protests Proposed Tax Increase

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced earlier this week that UK horseracing will be canceled on September 10. The move was made as the UK Treasury considers raising the tax rate on horse racing and sports betting from 15% to 21%.

According to the BHA, horseracing is the UK’s second largest spectator sport (behind only soccer) as it draws 5 million people annually — and supports 85,000 jobs. The BHA stated that the UK Treasury’s proposed tax hike will have “devastating consequences” for the industry.

The BHA commissioned an economic analysis that determined the proposed 21% tax rate will cost the sport £330 million in revenue over the first five years, and put 2,752 jobs at risk in the first year alone.

Paul Johnson, Chief Executive of the National Trainers Federation, echoed those sentiments, saying the UK will be “robbed of a vital social, cultural and economic asset if the Treasury proceed with this tax grab.”

“British Racing cannot survive on reputation alone, and we call on the Government to set an enlightened tax regime that will allow the sport to thrive before we reach the point of no return.”