European horseracing bodies urge Irish ministers to keep horserace betting out of EU funding
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, urging them to oppose the inclusion of horserace betting in any EU own resource based on online gambling. Ireland is leading negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) during its Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The letter warns that an additional tax on horserace betting creates a material risk of increasing illegal betting and reducing revenue for governments and the horse racing sector, while weakening consumer protection if activity shifts to illegal sites
“Horseracing should not be treated like an online casino or slot product. In so many European countries it is an integral part of the cultural heritage, tourism, employment, and rural and agricultural life. Imposing more taxes, which will drive betting customers towards illegal markets, makes no sense.”
Dr Paull Khan, CEO, European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation
“Legal betting is what funds horseracing, and with it breeders, trainers, racecourses and rural jobs. An additional tax would push more business towards illegal operators, reducing revenue for governments and racing alike and leaving consumers with less protection.”
Dr Peter Truzla, President, European Trotting Union
The letter also stresses that excessive taxation can reduce the competitiveness of legal betting and encourage migration to illegal operators. Such migration can also expand criminal revenues and move activity beyond financial and integrity oversight. Tax design, consumer protection and action against illegal operators should therefore be assessed together.
EMHF and UET ask that any proposal recognises existing contributions to horseracing and combines effective action against illegal operators with a regulated market capable of retaining consumers.
