Gambling - Horse Race Levy for Online Bookmakers
2017
On 31st January 2017 the Horse Racing Levy (HRL) will be extended to include bookmakers who operate remotely (principally online) and hold the required remote operating licence (within the meaning given by the Gambling Act 2005) allowing them to trade in the UK. From 31st January any online bookmaker who has either equipment based in the UK or provides a service accessible from the UK may be caught.
The levy shall be payable only by a bookmaker who carries on a business which includes the effecting of betting transactions on horse races, and only in respect of so much of the business of the bookmaker as relates to such betting transactions. This has been the definition for traditional based bookmakers created by the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963.
Whether this change in the levy will lead to the significant withdrawal of Operators from the UK will have to be seen, UK land based bookmakers may see this change to the law as a levelling of the playing field.
If you have any queries regarding this change and whether your business may now be subject to the HRL one of our team would be happy to discuss this with you.