BGC elects Simon Clare as steward for Racing Levy

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has elected Simon Clare to serve as UK gambling’s appointee to the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB).

An expert in UK racing and public affairs, Clare is the Group Director of PR & Sponsorship at Entain Plc and will replace Mike O’Kane as the BGC’s representative on the HBLB from 7 October.

The HBLB is the statutory body that oversees the collection of the UK betting levy on horseracing wagers to fund equine welfare, breeding, veterinary science, and projects/initiatives supporting the sustainability of the heritage sport.

The Levy is administered by a board of seven members, including one appointed by the BGC to represent British bookmakers.

Based on figures released this May, BGC members are expected to contribute £105m in Levy payments to the HBLB for the previous year. This contribution marks a £5m increase compared to the year before. As a result of this additional funding, the HBLB has announced a £3.2m increase in its prize money contribution for 2024, raising it from £67.3m in 2023 to £70.5m.

The BGC marks the third consecutive year of increased Levy contributions, rising from £97m in 2021/22 to £100m in 2022/2023, and now £105m in 2023/2024. As noted by BGC CEO Grainne Hurst: “We’re delighted Simon is joining the HBLB.

“I know his wisdom and knowledge will be crucial assets to the HBLB over the coming years. I would also like to pay tribute to Mike O’Kane, who has been an excellent representative to the HBLB on behalf of BGC members.

“During his time with the HBLB, Mike has brought a strong voice for the sector to the Board at a time of significant change for racing, alongside record Levy contributions.”

Clare’s experience has been emphasised by his work with all UK racing stakeholders on key sponsorship initiatives, including the Jockey Club and the British Horseracing Board. Clare has also been a passionate patron of horseracing, even learning to ride in 2014 before taking part in a charity race at the 2015 Cheltenham Festival.

Clare said: “I am extremely honoured to be joining the Horserace Betting Levy Board as the betting representative. Mike O’Kane will be a hard act to follow, and I would like to thank him for the great contribution he has made during his time in the role.

“I have been fortunate to enjoy a long and varied career within the betting industry with Coral, now Entain, alongside a lifelong passion for horse racing and all major sports. I hope to make a valuable contribution to the Board.”

The HBLB leadership was reorganised in September following the unexpected passing of Paul Darling OBE, the Chair, who was succeeded by Anne Lambert (CMG) as Interim Chair.

The Levy is set to be reviewed once the White Paper’s outstanding regulatory matters are resolved, during which UK gambling terms will be negotiated by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).

The BGC estimates that its members contribute around £350m a year to British horseracing through Levy payments, media rights, and sponsorship deals.