Roger Devlin Takes the Helm at the Horserace Betting Levy Board
The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) has appointed Roger Devlin, a prominent figure in the gambling and business sectors, as its new chairman, effective July 1. Devlin is stepping into the role following the tenure of Anne Lambert, who has been in charge since the passing of Paul Darling last August.
Devlin brings a wealth of experience, having previously held significant positions in renowned organizations, including his tenure as chairman of William Hill from February 2018 until its acquisition by Caesars in April 2021. He has also been at the forefront of Persimmon Homes since June 2018, and spent nearly five years leading Marston’s, a major pub and hotel operator. His past includes chairing SIS Live, a broadcast connectivity firm, as well as Porthaven.
His connection with the gaming industry runs deep; he was chairman of Gamesys for a decade before its integration into Bally’s and has an active interest in horse racing, owning racehorses trained by Anthony Honeyball and William Muir. Notably, he was a co-owner of Pyledriver, celebrated for winning prestigious races such as the King George and Coronation Cup. Additionally, Devlin served as an independent director for the English Football Association for over six years.
Devlin’s appointment has been officially confirmed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
Fostering Growth in the Horse Racing Industry
In his first comments following the announcement, Devlin recognized the challenges currently facing the horse racing industry but also expressed optimism about emerging opportunities. He stated, “My focus aligns with the Levy’s core aims—driving investment and job growth in racing, improving horse welfare, and enhancing the sport’s reputation to attract greater interest.”
He looks forward to collaborating with the board, racing organizations, and betting entities to achieve these objectives.
The HBLB has recently voiced its concerns regarding proposed tax reforms impacting the gambling sector. In April, the Treasury introduced a consultation to consolidate three existing online betting tax rates into a single rate. This proposal, launched on May 6 and set to close on July 21, could potentially lead to an increased tax burden for online operators, disrupting the landscape for horse racing.
Currently, the Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) is set at 21% of operator profit, while both the General Betting Duty (GBD) and Pool Betting Duty (PBD) are taxed at 15%. The HBLB has warned that such changes could adversely affect the horse racing industry, underscoring the importance of maintaining supportive tax frameworks for the sector’s sustainability.