“There is now a clear risk that this decision will lead to the closure of hundreds, if not thousands, of betting shops across the country.”British racing – which derives nearly a third of its £350million annual income from betting via high street shops – is now set to potentially lose £57million a year, based on the independent modelling that was shared with the Treasury ahead of today’s Budget.”While the MGD rate increase is not as severe as some called for, this change could still prove devastating for the future of our sport – impacting prize money, the viability of racecourses, thousands of jobs, and vital horse welfare projects and research.”Betting shop closures will also significantly impact a large part of the sport’s fanbase for whom a visit to their local bookie is the primary way they engage with horseracing.”