European Horse Racing Groups Lobby Irish Officials to Exempt Sport from EU-Wide Gambling Tax Plans
EMHF and UET have written to Irish ministers Byrne and Harris urging exclusion of horse racing betting from EU-wide gambling tax talks aimed at raising €2bn-€4bn yearly for the 2028-2034 budget. The push echoes EGBA warnings on black market growth and mirrors Polish sector criticism over competition and costs. UK tax exemption precedent offers limited hope amid ongoing industry pressures.
SCCG Take — Racing operators face mounting layered taxation risks across Europe; early engagement in budget talks is essential to preserve licensed betting revenue that directly funds the sport.
European horse racing stakeholders have united to protect the sport from a potential EU-wide gambling tax.
Given Ireland’s current Presidency of the Council of the EU, the European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation (EMHF) and the European Trotting Union (UET) have approached Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of State for European Affairs, and Simon Harris TD, Minister for Finance. In letters to both, the groups argue horse racing betting must be excluded from any EU-wide online gambling and betting tax under Brussels’ plans to increase the Union’s Budget between 2028 and 2034.
The tax discussion first gained attention in February when Victor Negrescu, Vice President of the European Parliament, identified scope to generate €2bn-€4bn per year in additional funding. Negrescu’s office later confirmed to SBC News that all financing options remain on the table.
Gambling Sector Opposition and Revenue Concerns
The broader gambling sector, already subject to high taxes in individual jurisdictions, has opposed the proposal. Marteen Haijer, former Secretary General of the European Betting and Gaming Association (EGBA), commented: “Imposing an EU tax on top of existing national taxes would only make this situation worse: expanding the black market, harming European consumer protection and ultimately leading to lower tax revenues for Member States.” The Polish gambling sector raised parallel issues around added financial strain and fair competition.
The EMHF and UET have voiced similar worries over impacts on government revenues, the sustainability of the licensed betting sector, and horse racing viability. They cite the UK example where remote gambling tax rises prompted brands to scale back operations, including horse racing sponsorships. By contrast, the British Horseracing Authority’s #AxeTheRacingTax campaign secured an exemption for the sport 12 months ago, keeping general betting duty at 15%.
Racing Leaders Warn of Damage to Sport and Jobs
Dr Peter Truzla, President of the UET, said: “Legal betting is what funds horseracing, and with it breeders, trainers, racecourses and rural jobs. An additional tax would push more business towards illegal operators, reducing revenue for governments and racing alike and leaving consumers with less protection.” Lobbyists appear to hope policymakers will show sympathy toward the sport’s distinct position.
Reporting: SBC News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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