British Horseracing Authority Weighs Further Direct Action in Affordability Checks Battle
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is actively considering additional direct action protests as part of its ongoing campaign against government plans to introduce affordability checks for punters. This announcement comes from Brant Dunshea, the chief executive of the BHA, who highlighted the success of previous efforts, such as the 'Axe the Racing Tax' campaign last September.
Impact of Previous Protests and Current Concerns
In September, a one-day strike led to the cancellation of four scheduled race meetings, playing a pivotal role in the government's decision to abandon a proposed increase in betting tax from 15% to 21%. The BHA estimated this tax hike would have cost the industry £330 million. Building on this victory, the BHA is now focusing on affordability checks, which could require up to 120,000 regular gamblers to provide personal documentation to continue betting, according to research from the Betting and Gaming Council.
Independent modelling by global accountancy firm EY suggests that up to 44,000 punters might switch to black market operators if these checks are implemented. This shift could result in tens of millions of pounds in lost betting turnover for racing, which has already seen a £2 billion decline since 2021. The Gambling Commission board is set to decide on the introduction of these checks next month, prompting over 400 racing figures, including prominent trainers and MPs, to write an open letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy urging intervention.
BHA's Strategy and Industry Unity
Dunshea emphasized the power of industry unity, stating, "Our day of action was a tremendous example of where, when the industry comes together with a common purpose for a cause, it's an incredibly powerful movement." He noted that the government recognized the cultural and economic importance of horseracing, which supports tens of thousands of jobs. While no specific day of action is currently planned, Dunshea indicated that direct protests remain a potential tool in the broader campaign strategy.
Concerns have been amplified by pilot schemes conducted over the past 12 months, which produced inconsistent results. Three credit reference agencies were involved in the trial, and in some cases, they yielded different outcomes for the same individual. This inconsistency raises fears that more punters could be driven to illegal operators due to the inconvenience of submitting personal data. Yield Sec, an online data analysis company, reported that black market operators grew from 0.43% of the UK gambling market in 2020 to 9% last year, with £379 million wagered with unlicensed operators who do not contribute to the exchequer.
Welfare Debate and RSPCA Relations
Amidst the Grand National meeting at Aintree, Dunshea expressed surprise at recent comments from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). After four horse deaths at the Cheltenham festival, the RSPCA issued a statement describing the incidents as "clearly at odds with the UK's status as a nation of animal lovers." Dunshea wrote to RSPCA chief executive Jo Rowland, concerned that the remarks resembled those of an animal rights group and overlooked the £60 million investment in equine welfare over the past 25 years, which has reduced fatality rates to 0.22% of runners.
Despite this, Dunshea affirmed the BHA's commitment to maintaining a positive relationship with the RSPCA, valuing their frequent contributions and collaborative efforts. He stressed that affordability checks must be frictionless to avoid driving consumers to other markets, noting, "Consumers are price-sensitive and they're also very protective of sharing personal information. Any sort of intervention when consumers are price-sensitive or sensitive around their personal data they will look to engage in other markets."
Grand National Preview and Racing Tips
As the Grand National meeting commences, attention turns to the racing action. In the Aintree Hurdle, Brighterdaysahead is favored at around 2-1 to confirm her form from Cheltenham, where she finished ahead of The New Lion and Alexei. Other notable races include the Triumph Hurdle reunion at Aintree, with Minella Study looking to improve on his third-place finish at Cheltenham, and the Bowl, where Protektorat offers a strong alternative to favorites like Jango Baie.
The BHA's campaign against affordability checks underscores the high stakes for the horseracing industry, balancing economic concerns with regulatory pressures and animal welfare debates.
