SAVE OUR BETS.
It’s a simple message to Government in a race sponsored by The Sun, always No1 for racing, at Cheltenham on Friday.
If I was Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, I would listen very carefully.
More importantly than that if I was you, I would take this campaign very seriously.
And that’s whether you are a regular punter or not.
You see, while those of us who love to have a bet fear for punters if taxes are increased on betting in the upcoming budget, you should also fear for the freedoms that are continuously being taken from you.
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By taxing betting in a ferocious fashion all you will actually do is tax punters, who, as with everyone else in the UK, are already paying more taxes than people in so many other countries.
And it’s not just horse racing backers that will get smashed by Reeves.
It will be those of you who enjoy a wager on football, rugby, darts and tennis.
Like the Lottery profits, punters already are hit hard meaning Government gets an incredible £4billion a year from the industry.
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You can back any of the runners I fancy on Friday below simply by clicking their odds – good luck!
1.45 Fugitif
2.20 Leave Of Absence
2.55 Jonbon
3.30 Destination Dubai
Hitting the betting industry harder will push many out of business.
And the knock-on from that will be an industry and many businesses in tatters.
More unemployment. More doom and gloom. Just because it looks like an ‘easy win’ for Reeves.
Very few in Government understand bookmaking or the betting industry.
I would love to sit down with Reeves and explain it to her.
She seems to have no idea at all.
That of course will not happen.
And while Sir Keir Starmer has enjoyed VIP days at the races along with his wife, his Government seems intent on destroying a sport and industry his family appear to like.
It’s a funny old game.
But as I have already hinted this is important way beyond just saving our bets.
You see by slamming the betting industry Government will indirectly be telling YOU how you can — or in this case can’t — spend your money.
Yes your money, your hard-earned cash.
They will defend that by suggesting betting causes harm to some. And of course it does.
Driving also causes harm to some. So does living.
In fact most things in life can cause harm and addictive personalities will always be something everyone wants to help.
But betting is no more addictive to people than shopping, or going to the pub, or eating.
The point I’m making is that, in time, Government cannot be trusted not to take everything away from you.
Every year something else is removed to control you and your life.
So the message from me is this.
Stand up for you rights to spend your money how you want.
Don’t allow a Government in a shambolic state to take away your freedom.
If you want a future where you can spend your hard-earned cash as you wish, then support our campaign.
Save Our Bets? Yes.
And everyone should support us in this mission.
Because if you don’t Save Our Bets, in a few months time something else you enjoy will be taxed ridiculously to the point where you can no longer do as you should be able.
Rachel Reeves, please listen.
Please think about what you could destroy.
History. Industries. People’s jobs. Government income! They are not things to play politics with.
Trust me. Yeeehaaa!
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Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
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- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
