Betfair triumphs in horseracing judicial review

The UK online gambling group Betfair has announced that it has been successful in defending its position on the Horserace Levy Board’s treatment of its customers following a Judicial Review action brought by rival William Hill plc.

The High Court had previously ruled in favour of the position of Betfair as supported by the Levy Board in July 2012, confirming the outcome of the extensive consultation the Board itself undertook in 2010-2011 .

That Consultation clearly determined that customers of betting exchanges are not liable to pay the Horserace Betting Levy.

William Hill, whose online business remains Britain’s largest non-levy paying bookmaker, has decided not to seek leave to appeal Friday’s decision, and is liable for 50 percent of Betfair’s legal costs in defending the appeal, in addition to 25 percent of the costs of the initial hearing.

Martin Cruddace, Betfair’s corporate and legal affairs director said Friday:

“We are very pleased that our arguments have, yet again, prevailed in a unanimous verdict of the Court of Appeal and that winning customers now have this clarity. It is obviously sensible that William Hill have decided not to seek leave to appeal.

“It remains unfortunate that the seven figure costs incurred by the Levy Board in defending William Hill’s litigation have had a direct and significant impact on prize money. William Hill Online remains by far Britain’s largest non-levy paying bookmaker”.

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