Gambling review opens call for evidence, with racing's levy in its sights

A new independent review of Britain's gambling laws has opened a call for evidence, and horseracing has a place in its terms. Anyone with a view can now submit it, up to a deadline of 12 February 2027.

The Gambling Policy Commission is chaired by Jagjit Chadha OBE, a professor of economics at Cambridge University. Its job is to assess the existing legal framework around gambling. It will also consider whether further reform is needed, which could include new primary legislation, meaning a new law passed by Parliament. The commission aims to deliver its findings and recommendations before the next general election, according to The Guardian.

Racing gets its own line in the commission's terms of reference. It will look at the sport's special position, including the statutory betting levy, a payment linked to betting on racing. It will also consider media rights tied to betting turnover, which means how much money is wagered on the sport's broadcasts and coverage.

Those two money streams matter to the sport's finances. Betting is part of racing's income, so changes to how it is taxed or regulated can reach the yards, the racecourses and the people who work in them. That is why the review's focus on the levy will be watched closely by trainers, owners and staff alike.

The commission's chief economist will be Dr James Reade, head of economics at Reading University. He will lead the economic analysis that sits behind the recommendations.

The call for evidence is open to all interested parties and individuals, not only to industry bodies. Submissions could come from a racing yard manager with views on the levy, a punter who bets on the card, or a researcher who has studied problem gambling. The commission will weigh what it receives before it reports.

For now, the timetable is the clearest thing on the table. Submissions close in February 2027, and the commission has set itself the task of reporting before voters next go to the polls.