Industry insight - the sport's most important stories of last week made simple

We wrap up the most important articles to bring you a clear and concise round-up of the key developments in the industry over the past week.

'They should pay their fair' - Labour signals gambling taxes will rise 

Credit: Nicola Tree

• Tax rise: Chancellor Rachel Reeves, speaking at the Labour conference in Liverpool, signalled gambling taxes will increase in the November 26 budget, arguing the sector must pay its “fair share.”

• Impact on racing: The Treasury’s plan to harmonise online duties could cut £66m from British racing in its first year, which sparked the BHA’s Axe the Racing Tax campaign and the blank day on September 10.

• Political pressure: Former prime minister Gordon Brown and 100+ Labour MPs back the rise, citing an Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) report that says the revenue could lift children out of poverty.

• Government caution: Gambling minister Baroness Fiona Twycross said the government must weigh up the risk of fuelling the black market and the threat to jobs when considering gambling tax rises.

• Think tank support: Social Market Foundation (SMF), IPPR and another think tank, Demos, call for major hikes to fund anti-poverty measures and also "discourage" gambling, while Twycross also signalled there needs to be tougher action on advertising.

More comment and analysis

What would gambling tax rises mean for the racing – and what is most likely to happen?  

Labour MPs call for gambling tax hike that could be 'death knell' for betting shops  

Claims that racing is working closely with anti-gambling lobby are 'simply inaccurate' says BHA 

ITV will broadcast free-to-air coverage of British racing until 2030

ITVs Ed Chamberlain and Francesca CumaniCredit: Pool

• ITV secures four-year deal: The new agreement, which begins in 2027, ensures the broadcaster will continue televising Britain's biggest race meetings having first been contracted in 2017

• Coverage: 117 live days per year across ITV1, ITV4 and STV, all also available on ITVX. The Opening Show remains part of the package.

• Major events include: Grand National, Royal Ascot, Cheltenham Festival and the Derby, with at least five races shown from each marquee fixture.

• Strong performance: In 2025, The Grand National attracted a peak audience of 5.2 million and Royal Ascot reached five million viewers across its five days.

Gambling industry analyst believes racing should expect a 'modest' rise in gambling duties

Credit: Layton Thompson

• Expected modest tax rise: Analyst David Brohan, from stockbrokers Goodbody, said government remarks suggest gambling operators face a modest increase in duties rather than extreme hikes.

• Market reaction: Despite expectations of only modest rises, gambling stocks still fell last Tuesday.

• Brohan’s view: He noted that comments from chancellor Rachel Reeves and gambling minister Baroness Fiona Twycross recognise the sector’s contribution and acknowledge the risks posed by the black market.

• Industry warning: The Betting and Gaming Council cautioned that higher taxes would be self-defeating, damaging jobs, investment, and sports funding without boosting Treasury revenues.

More industry news:

Britbet to take over from the UK Tote Group as pool betting host and operator at 19 racecourses 

'My focus will be on providing strong leadership' - new Racehorse Owners Association president revealed 

What would gambling tax rises mean for the racing – and what is most likely to happen?

Write to your MP about the Racing Tax

Racing TV has created a template letter that can be used to email local MPs about your concerns over the 'racing tax'. Follow this link to access the template – it should not take more than a couple of minutes to complete.