Ep 555: Kemi Badenoch’s Bold Move - Saving UK Racing or Saving Face?

Welcome to iGaming Daily, sponsored by Optimove, where hosts Ted Orme-Claye and Ted Menmuir explore the ever-evolving intersection of UK politics and the gambling industry.

In this episode, the two dive into the political strategies shaping the future of betting and gaming, focusing on how major parties are leveraging gambling policy for influence. From the Conservative Party's stance on tax policy to the Liberal Democrats' involvement in football broadcasting rights.

Our discussion centres on Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s vocal support for the “axe the racing tax” campaign and her resistance to proposed gambling tax increases. With the UK racing sector facing an estimated £60m-80m annual impact from tax consolidation proposals, Badenoch’s alignment with rural and racing interests raises questions about political strategy versus genuine advocacy. We explore the broader implications for the Conservative Party's rural base and its historical ties to the UK racing industry during a challenging time in the polls.

The two Teds also take a closer look at the Liberal Democrats’ amendments to the football governance bill, including their push for free-to-air Premier League broadcasts and tighter restrictions on gambling-related advertising. As football remains the most bet-on market in the UK, it has become a central battleground for political messaging.

Host: Ted Orme-Claye
Guest: Ted Menmuir
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast. 

Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.