SAHorseracing.com
SAHorseracing.com
Off-shore bookmakers to pay for right to bet on British racing

According to a report in The Telegraph online, off-shore bookmakers will have to pay for the right to bet on British horseracing into the future.

The report states: UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne’s announcement in his Budget Speech that horseracing deserved Government backing to gain what he termed a “Racing Right,” which is a commercial mechanism that enables the sport to claim money from its customers, was hailed as a “breakthrough” by the sport’s leaders.
Osborne also announced that bookmakers based offshore would now be subject to legislation that demanded Levy payments from them for the right to bet on British racing.
For many years, they have escaped paying the Levy because of their geographical position. “Today’s announcement by the Chancellor represents a major milestone in our efforts to secure the future finances of our industry,” said Paul Bittar, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, this week.
“For too long, we have sought a funding mechanism which reflects the nature of the modern racing and betting industries. Today’s commitment brings us considerably closer to achieving this goal, and securing the future of one of the country’s leading sports and a major employer across the country.” 

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