
The HBLB appoints former William Hill chief Roger Devlin as new chairman
The Great Britain’s Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) has recently announced the appointment of Roger Devlin as their new chairman. Devlin, who previously held roles at William Hill and Gamesys, will be taking over from Anne Lambert, who has been serving as chairman since August 2024.
Experienced Executive in the Industry
With a background in leading companies such as William Hill and Persimmon Homes, Roger Devlin is considered a highly experienced executive in the industry. His appointment comes at a crucial time for UK horse racing, which has been facing challenges in recent years.
Devlin’s past roles include being chairman of Marston’s, Porthaven, SIS Live, and Gamesys. He has also served as an independent director at the English Football Association. His diverse experience in various sectors makes him a valuable addition to the HBLB.
Commitment to Horse Racing
As a horse racing owner himself, Roger Devlin is passionate about the sport and is committed to investing in horse racing. He has horses with trainers Anthony Honeyball and William Muir, and was involved in Muir’s Group One winner Pyledriver, who achieved significant success in the 2022 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Upon his appointment as the new HBLB chairman, Devlin expressed his focus on promoting investment and employment in racing, enhancing racehorse welfare, and improving the sport’s reputation. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with board members, racing and betting organizations, to achieve these goals.
Opposition to Proposed Tax Changes
The HBLB has also been vocal in opposing any proposed changes in tax rates for betting providers in Britain. A recent survey by the BGC indicated that increasing UK gambling tax could drive bettors towards black market sites.
The UK treasury’s proposal for changing online betting tax rates has raised concerns among industry stakeholders. The HBLB highlighted the potential impact on online casinos, gaming sites, and the horse racing sector, which relies heavily on betting and tax revenue to operate effectively.
With Roger Devlin at the helm, the HBLB aims to navigate these challenges and ensure the sustainability and growth of the horse racing industry in the UK.