The British Horseracing Authority has put a case to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport for a greater contribution from the betting industry in the 47th levy.

Seeking a levy of somewhere between ?135million and ?153million for 2008-09, compared with an estimated ?94m from the latest scheme, the BHA&#8217-s document calls for the government to settle the levy on the basis of 15% of gross win on British horseracing.

The BHA also calls for betting exchanges to contribute to the levy on a new and equitable basis, stating that the contribution made by betting exchanges to the Levy should increase from the ?6m paid in 2006-07 to ?20m.

This figure would be achieved, they argue, through the imposition of a 1.25% Levy on the net profits of punters on betting exchanges, raising the possibility that Betfair et al, may be forced to increase their commission charges.

An insight into the contentious issue of how betting exchanges should be taxed, may be found here:

http://www.bettingmarket.com/tax.htm

External Link: The Guardian