This afternoon, families will break free from their post-Christmas slumber and head out for an exhilarating day at the races.

For many, this has transformed into a cherished annual custom, passed from one generation to the next, with visits to famous locations like Kempton Park, Aintree, Wetherby, and Wincanton, alongside Fontwell and Sedgefield, creating the perfect backdrop for meaningful family connections during this festive time.

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Today, there are eight scheduled race meetings drawing not only tens of thousands through the gates but also a multitude of viewers nationwide who will watch the live coverage on ITV and might even take a chance with a few bets during the broadcast.

Over the years, horse racing has become deeply embedded in the cultural identity of Britain, with the highlight event, the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase, standing as a beloved feature of the Boxing Day sports calendar.

This race is pivotal in shaping notable careers and creating legends.

Desert Orchid triumphed four times, while Kauto Star achieved five victories, with staunch fans eagerly returning to witness today’s unfolding chapter.

In addition to celebrating the talent and courage of the horses and riders striving for peak performance, many participants enjoy the challenge of analyzing the complexities of each race while placing bets on their favorites, enriching both the day’s experience and the sport.

Regime of Checks

Unfortunately, it has become increasingly difficult for bettors, and if this trend persists, racing could face significant downturns.

Although horse racing typically has low instances of problem gambling, the industry has experienced challenges in recent years due to strict regulations imposed by betting operators concerning consumer affordability.

The government has labeled these regulations as “inconsistent and burdensome,” requiring personal documentation such as bank statements or pay stubs even for minor expenditure levels.

According to our 2023 Right To Bet survey, which surveyed over 14,000 participants, one in four racing bettors have encountered such checks.

Many feel frustrated, viewing this as an infringement on their right to utilize their disposable income as they see fit.

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Some individuals have resorted to the illegal gambling market for more convenient betting options with unregulated bookmakers.

As a result, online racing turnover has declined by £1.5 billion up to March 2024, according to Gambling Commission data, without any noticeable decrease in overall problem gambling rates.

The Gambling Commission is looking into more efficient ways to conduct checks on bettors’ finances that do not compromise customer experience.

If such measures are implemented, they must be genuinely seamless and should not deter people from placing bets or lead them toward illegal markets.

Nearly two years have elapsed since the previous government released its White Paper on gambling, raising concerns that the repeated feedback and perspectives of bettors remain unaddressed.

The racing industry is simply asking for checks on bettors to be fair and just—if a person exhibits behavior indicative of a gambling issue, then the bookmaker should be compelled to take action and carry out checks on that individual.

However, if a bettor displays no such behaviors, they should have the freedom to place bets as they desire.

It’s not only the betting regulations that are financially straining the racing industry.

We are actively pushing for significant reforms to the Horserace Betting Levy, which is the primary source of funding for the sport.

This Levy has remained unchanged since 2017, and its failure to adapt to the realities of the economic downturn is adversely affecting the sport.

We are falling behind our closest competitors in Ireland and France.

Superior prize money in those regions is a major factor leading top horses to migrate overseas.

Even a modest increase in the Levy could significantly boost British racing and enhance our competitiveness on the global stage.

Why is this important? British racing is more than mere sport.

It stands as a cultural asset that enhances our nation’s global influence, with prestigious events such as the Derby, Royal Ascot, and the Grand National celebrated worldwide.

It is also a vital economic contributor, adding £4.1 billion annually to the nation’s economy, being the second most-watched sport in the UK.

At least 85,000 jobs in Britain are directly or indirectly connected to British racing.

Furthermore, it acts as the backbone of myriad communities, both urban and rural.

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Racecourses, of which there are 59 in Britain, are essential gathering spots for our communities.

These locations provide a means for families—where, unlike many other sports, children under 18 can join for free—to bond with friends and coworkers over a day filled with camaraderie, fun, and potentially, if fortune favors them, a winning wager or two.

Racing offers a splendid day out for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Only within a British racecourse can one witness all walks of life—from a road sweeper to our monarch—coming together in enjoyment.

This sport merits government support for all the positive impacts it has on our nation and its people.

Clearly, the British public continues to cherish the sport, as evidenced by stable attendance rates over recent years, even as many face tighter budgets.

In addition, signature events like the Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National, and Royal Ascot remain not just key events on our national sports calendar but also highly anticipated highlights on the global scene.

The unintended consequences of well-meaning yet misguided policies are apparent. If no changes are made, future generations of families attending the races this afternoon may encounter a vastly different Boxing Day.