The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has appointed Simon Clare as the representative for UK gambling on the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB).
Clare, a seasoned expert in UK racing and public affairs, will take over as the BGC’s representative on the HBLB from 7 October, succeeding Mike O’Kane. Clare currently serves as Group Director of PR and Sponsorship at Entain Plc.
The HBLB is responsible for managing the collection of the UK betting levy on horseracing wagers, which supports key areas such as equine welfare, veterinary science, breeding and sustainability within the sport. The seven-member Levy Board includes one representative appointed by the BGC to speak for British bookmakers.
In May, it was revealed that BGC members contributed £105m in Levy payments to the HBLB for the previous year, marking a £5m increase from the prior year. This boost in funding will allow the HBLB to raise its prize money contribution for 2024 by £3.2m, from £67.3m in 2023 to £70.5m. This marks the third consecutive year of rising contributions, from £97m in 2021/22 to £100m in 2022/23 and now £105m in 2023/24.
Commenting on the appointment, BGC CEO Grainne Hurst said: “We’re delighted Simon is joining the HBLB. Simon’s knowledge and wisdom will be invaluable to the HBLB over the coming years. I also want to thank Mike O’Kane for his outstanding representation of BGC members during his tenure. Mike brought a strong voice for the betting sector at a time of significant change in racing and during record Levy contributions.”
Clare, who has worked closely with UK racing stakeholders on major sponsorship initiatives with organisations like the Jockey Club and the British Horseracing Board, expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m honoured to join the Horserace Betting Levy Board as the betting representative. Mike O’Kane set a high standard, and I want to thank him for his remarkable contribution in this role.
“I’ve had a long and varied career within the betting industry with Coral, now Entain, and a lifelong passion for horse racing and major sports. I hope to bring valuable insight to the Board.”
Following the passing of Chair Paul Darling OBE, the HBLB underwent leadership changes, with Anne Lambert CMG now serving as Interim Chair.
The Levy is expected to be reviewed once remaining regulatory matters from the White Paper are resolved, and the BGC estimates its members contribute approximately £350m annually to British horseracing through Levy payments, media rights, and sponsorships.
