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West Norfolk MP Matthew Hancock (right) has secured the unanimous support of Parliament to bring in a Bill to close the loophole that allows bookmakers to operate their online businesses offshore.

The ROA is backing the MP’s campaign because 18 of the 20 largest bookmakers currently avoid paying £300 million of UK taxes and tens of millions in Levy contributions to racing.

Matthew Hancock is pushing to guarantee a sustainable future for racing, which has suffered a sharp decline in funding from the Levy, partly because bookmakers have moved offshore in recent years.

Richard Wayman, the ROA’s Chief Executive, said: “With the future of British Racing dependent on a solution being found to its persistent underfunding, the ROA warmly welcomes Matthew Hancock’s motion.

“As prize money falls, the sport is losing owners, meaning fewer horses and less attractive racing. A point-of-consumption approach to gambling licensing would not only be much fairer but would also provide the basis for a sustainable and vibrant racing industry in the future.”

The MP said: “I have always maintained that there is widespread support for this change. The fact that my Bill has passed unanimously demonstrates this support is cross-party and widespread.

“I hope that this positive result will lead to the Government implementing the proposed ‘point of consumption’ licensing regulation as soon as possible.”

8 February 2012