UK Politicians Consider Extension of Levy on Horse Racing Wagers

Labour Party politicians in the UK intend to raise money and awareness for problem gambling by an extension of the current horse racing levy placed on bets taken by retail and online bookmakers. “We believe it is right that businesses that make money from sport should contribute to sport," said Clive Efford, the shadow sports minister according to The Guardian. "We are consulting on whether we should introduce a levy on betting, including online betting, to fund gambling awareness and support for problem gambling but also to improve community sports facilities and clubs. “It's my preference that the income from the levy went into a general pool to help grassroots sport and from which the respective sports would draw their future elite sportsmen and women. Football gambling online and in betting shops is now far larger than horseracing gambling and yet it does nothing to help the sport itself. I think they have a moral obligation to help the industry from which they make billions, and the results could be dramatic.” The Conservative Party responded to the proposal by saying: “This is yet another short-term gimmick from Labour. It is a tax on football fans which will mean higher ticket prices for ordinary people wanting to watch our national sport.”