British Racing Chief Warns Budget Tax Hike May Have ‘Devastating’ Impact on Sport

British Horseracing Authority chief executive Brant Dunshea has called for urgent talks with the government after chancellor John Healey raised Machine Games Duty from 20% to 25% in the budget. Dunshea warned the increase could still prove ‘devastating’ for racing, with a ‘clear risk’ that ‘hundreds, if not thousands’ of betting shops could close. The rise was below the 40% recommended by the Social Market Foundation, but the sport fears reduced levy income and less media rights value. The BHA will engage with the government to reduce the impact, as thousands of jobs and the future of many racecourses may be at stake.