BHA Reports Urgent Drop in Betting Turnover, Race Attendance Rises

UPDATE: The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has just announced a troubling decline in betting turnover for the third quarter of 2025, with year-to-date figures showing a significant 4.2% drop compared to last year. This sharp decrease raises concerns about the pressure facing the racing industry, which has already struggled with various economic headwinds.

As reported by the BHA, the year-to-date betting turnover has plummeted by 12.8% compared to Q3 2023. The average turnover per race has also suffered, declining by 5.8% from 2024 and 11.4% from 2023. This downward trend highlights the urgent need for the industry to adapt as customers shift their focus toward larger racedays. Premier Fixtures saw a 2.7% increase in average turnover, while Core Fixtures faced an alarming 8.6% decrease.

Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope within the industry. Race attendance surged by 4.9%, rising from 3.9 million to 4.1 million attendees, reflecting the sport’s enduring appeal. Notably, average crowd sizes at Premium Fixtures increased by 5.3% to 697, while Core Fixtures saw a 4.4% increase to 107 attendees. The success of campaigns like “The Going Is Good” appears to be positively influencing public interest.

Television viewership also experienced a boost, with The Cheltenham Festival achieving its highest peak audience in four years at 1.8 million. The Derby followed suit, marking its largest viewership in two years with 1.3 million viewers tuning in.

In a promising development for the industry, the average field size at Flat meetings for Premier Fixtures increased to 10.97, the highest in recent years. However, Jump meetings saw a slight decline in average field size, dropping to 9.93. Core Fixtures continue to struggle, with average field sizes falling to 8.54 for Flat meetings and 7.63 for Jumps.

The BHA has reported a notable increase in race activity, with nearly 100 more races conducted in 2025. This surge has contributed to a total prize money increase of GBP 4.7 million, bringing the total to GBP 153 million. However, the organization is grappling with a worrying decline in the horse population, which has decreased by approximately 1.5% annually since 2022.

As the industry navigates these turbulent waters, the BHA is actively opposing proposed tax hikes, particularly the new Remote Betting & Gaming Duty (RBGD) that could significantly impact the sector. In an urgent letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the BHA warned that the RBGD could inflict “irreparable damage” to the racing landscape.

With race organizers and stakeholders closely monitoring these developments, the future of the British racing industry hangs in the balance. The BHA’s upcoming strategies and responses to these challenges will be crucial for rejuvenating the sector and ensuring its long-term viability.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to develop.