European horse racing bodies lobby Irish EU Presidency against a bloc-wide online gambling tax

European horse racing organisations have moved to shield the sport from a possible EU-wide gambling tax. The European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation (EMHF) and the European Trotting Union (UET) have written to Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of State for European Affairs, and Simon Harris TD, Minister for Finance. Ireland currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU.

In their letters, the two bodies argue that horse racing betting should be left out of any discussions on a new levy on online gambling and betting. The idea has surfaced as part of Brussels' plans to increase the Union's budget for the period 2028 to 2034. They raise concerns about the effect on government revenues, the sustainability of the licensed betting sector and a direct risk to racing itself.

The proposal was first publicised in February by Victor Negrescu, Vice President of the European Parliament, who saw a chance to raise between EUR 2bn and EUR 4bn a year in additional funding. The gambling industry, already subject to high taxes in individual European jurisdictions, opposed it. Maarten Haijer, former Secretary General of the European Betting and Gaming Association (EGBA), said an EU tax on top of national taxes would expand the black market, harm consumer protection and ultimately lower tax revenues for Member States. The Polish gambling sector has also criticised the plan, saying it would add financial strain and raise questions about fair competition. Negrescu's office has told SBC News that all financing options remain on the table.

The racing bodies point to the UK as an example of the potential consequences. A recent rise in taxes on remote gambling providers led several brands to scale back operations, including horse racing sponsorships. A year ago, the British Horseracing Authority's campaign against a racing tax succeeded in having the sport exempted from tax rises, leaving general betting duty on racing at 15%.

Dr Peter Truzla, President of the UET, said legal betting is what funds horse racing, along with breeders, trainers, racecourses and rural jobs. He argued that an additional tax would push more business towards illegal operators, reducing revenue for governments and racing and leaving consumers with less protection.