Betting levy – a fairer share for sport

Sir, – The recent statement in the Dáil by the Taoiseach to the effect that the Government was not inclined to revisit its policy on the redistribution of the betting levy raises a number of important issues.

While the tax has long been associated with the racing industry, the huge change in betting trends now means that at least 40 per cent of the bets placed in Ireland are in relation to other sports, in particular football, our most played team sport.

While League of Ireland clubs continue to suffer from poor infrastructure and stadium development, a racecourse like the Curragh can benefit from a taxpayer contribution of €30 million to upgrade its facilities, without any significant increase in attendance or, indeed, a wider community involvement. Horse racing in Ireland is dominated by only a handful of owners and trainers who benefit from over €40 million in tax-free prize money. The winner of the League of Ireland Premier Division commands the princely sum of €125,000 in prize money. The racing industry contributes significantly to the economy in terms of investment and employment but surely it is only fair that, in the context of a radically changed betting environment, this tax should be more evenly distributed. We live in a republic and, while the “Galway Tent” has thankfully disappeared, it does seem that our politicians remain firmly committed to the “Sport of Kings”. – Yours, etc,

MARTIN McDONALD,