The Football Association (FA), which oversees English football, conducted a covert investigation into allegations involving former Tottenham Hotspur owner and billionaire Joe Lewis potentially engaging in gambling activities, according to a source at a recent soccer match who spoke to Bloomberg. The probe, initiated in 2022 after the FA was alerted to possible rule violations, focused on claims that Lewis placed bets despite club owners being prohibited from doing so. The investigation concluded with no further action, largely due to the transfer of a majority stake of Tottenham to the Lewis Family Trust in October 2022, which exempted Lewis from FA regulations.
Following this ownership change, the Premier League reviewed Tottenham’s board candidates, advising some not to apply because of their close ties to Lewis. This situation emerges amid growing concerns in English football about gambling’s influence, highlighted by player suspensions such as that of Ivan Toni for betting violations. The relationship between the FA and gambling entities remains complex, with certain club officials maintaining betting-related connections despite restrictions on players.
In horse racing news, the industry welcomed a proposed halt on increasing the betting tax rate after Prime Minister Rachel Reeves decided against raising the current 15% bookmaker’s tax, a decision that temporarily eased tensions following strikes protesting the potential hike. However, the budget did introduce significant increases in taxes on online gambling, with rates for online casino and general gambling expected to rise sharply by 2026 and 2027.
British Horse Racing Authority CEO Nick Rust praised the exemption for horse racing, describing the sport as a “unique national asset,” but cautioned about potential ripple effects as betting companies may pass increased costs onto consumers. Bookmakers warn that these tax hikes could lead to race closures, reduced financial support, and a threat to the industry’s stability—making ongoing lobbying efforts crucial for the sport’s future. Horse racing remains the UK’s second-largest sport, and further tax increases could result in substantial financial losses and job cuts.
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Fan Take: This development is crucial for horse racing fans because maintaining a stable tax environment helps preserve the sport’s financial health and tradition. Any increase in betting taxes threatens to undermine the sport’s funding and growth, highlighting the importance of ongoing advocacy to protect one of Britain’s most cherished sports.
