Horserace Betting Levy Board

About the HBLB
The HBLB is a statutory body established by the Betting Levy Act 1961 and now operating in accordance with the provisions of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963 (as amended). Its role is to assess and collect monetary contributions from bookmakers and the Tote via a levy, which it then distributes for the improvement of horseracing and breeds of horses and for the advancement of veterinary science and education.

For the financial year 2007/08 the levy was distributed as follows:

	£'000	%
TOTAL	111,850
Prize money	56,647	51
Integrity Services	35,529	32
Other racecourse expenditure	7,877	7
Administration	3,631	3
Veterinary	2,364	2
Improvement of breeds	1,845	2
Training	964	1
Other improvements (net)	2,740	2
Bookmakers' Committee	253

Bookmakers' Committee
The Bookmakers' Committee is responsible for making annual recommendations to the HBLB regarding the terms, rates and conditions which will apply to the next Levy Scheme. It has 13 members representing the major companies and trade associations in the betting industry.

Prize Money
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The HBLB provides over 50% of the total prize money in each calendar year.

Integrity Services
The HBLB provides grants to help cover the costs of Integrity Services provided by the Horseracing Regulatory Authority, the Horseracing Forensic Laboratory and Racetech.

Breeders' Prizes
The promotion and success of British breeding on a global scale is assisted by the HBLB's provision of annual funding for a Breeders' Prizes Scheme.

Capital Fund
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The HBLB supports the improvement of racecourses by way of interest-free loans from its £51 million Capital Fund.

Industry Training and Education
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The successful breeding, training and racing of thoroughbreds relies on numerous grooms, riders and jockeys with specialist skills and knowledge. Their recruitment and training is substantially funded through the levy, as is Racing's schools education programme.