Written question asked by Fiona O'Donnell (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 March 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 18 March 2011. It was answered by John Penrose (Conservative) on Friday, 18 March 2011 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Betfair

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has made an assessment of the potential effects on the horseracing industry of the decision by Betfair to relocate offshore.

Answer: While we recognise that this is a commercial decision for Betfair, we are disappointed that it has moved its betting exchange for British customers offshore. However, Betfair has stated that it intends to make voluntary payments to British horseracing equivalent to those it would be required to make through the statutory Horserace Betting Levy for the 49th and 50th Levy Schemes. Looking ahead, I continue to speak to key stakeholders about the future of the Levy and the issues raised in the Department's consultation on remote gambling, and hope to make an announcement shortly.

Secondary information