UK MP Apologizes for Omitting Declaration of Interest in Racing-Related Queries

Background on the Incident

A British Member of Parliament recently issued an apology for neglecting to declare hospitality benefits received several months ago. The issue came to light amidst discussions focusing on proposed changes to the UK tax system, specifically regarding aligning the tax rates on horse racing wagers with those in the broader gaming industry.

Details of Charlotte Cane’s Oversight

Charlotte Cane, the Liberal Democrat MP representing Ely and East Cambridgeshire, admitted to not disclosing two hospitality tickets, collectively valued at 800 GBP. These tickets were provided by The Jockey Club, which owns the Newmarket July racecourse, and included access to a buffet and drinks during the Newmarket July Festival.

Although Cane did include the tickets on her official register of interests, she did not mention attending the event as a guest of The Jockey Club when asking questions related to horse racing.

This omission was highlighted after Cane engaged with Treasury and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport regarding potential harmonization of gaming taxes. She publicly apologized in the House of Commons, acknowledging the oversight and the breach of parliamentary rules it represented.

Reaction from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC)

The recent UK Budget exempted horse racing bets from the broad tax increases that affected other areas of British gaming. While this exemption was seen as a positive outcome for the horse racing sector, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) criticized it as largely superficial.

The BGC warned that despite the exemption, the overall tax changes could still negatively impact the wider betting industry that supports horse racing. They expressed concerns that the budget measures might harm not only horse racing but also the larger UK economy.

Regulatory Developments on Prediction Markets

Separately, the UK regulator has recently examined the rapid expansion of prediction markets and considered how these types of betting products should be regulated under current gambling laws, pointing to an evolving landscape in the gambling sector.