Former William Hill Chief Roger Devlin Appointed HBLB Chairman
Roger Devlin has been appointed chairman of the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), effective 1 July. His appointment comes as the board prepares to respond to proposed changes in remote betting taxation and ongoing financial challenges facing the British horseracing industry.
Leadership Change Amid Sector Turbulence
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has confirmed Roger Devlin as the incoming chair of the HBLB, replacing Anne Lambert, who led the board after the death of Paul Darling in August 2023. Devlin’s appointment arrives at a sensitive moment for the racing industry, which continues to face structural and fiscal challenges linked to both taxation and shifting public perceptions.
A seasoned figure in the gambling and leisure sectors, Devlin brings to the role experience from several high-profile leadership positions. He was chairman of William Hill between 2018 and 2021, guiding the company through its eventual sale to Caesars. Prior to that, he spent nearly a decade at Gamesys, now part of Bally’s, and also held non-gambling roles with Marston’s and Persimmon Homes.
Devlin’s background in sport extends beyond corporate governance. He owns racehorses in training with Anthony Honeyball and William Muir and was a co-owner of Pyledriver, the winner of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Coronation Cup. He also served as an independent director at the English Football Association for over six years.
Stated Priorities
In his first statement as incoming chair, Devlin recognised the difficulties currently confronting the sector.
“My focus will be consistent with the Levy’s key objectives – to promote investment and employment in racing; to enhance racehorse welfare wherever possible; to improve the reputation of the sport and thereby generate increased interest,” he said.
He also underlined the importance of collaboration: “I look forward to working with my fellow board members and the wider team, as well as racing and betting organisations, in pursuit of these goals.”
Tax Reform Threatens Sector Stability
Devlin’s appointment coincides with a period of heightened concern within the industry over proposed changes to the tax framework for remote betting. In April, the UK Treasury launched a consultation aimed at simplifying the current system by consolidating three separate tax bands—Remote Gaming Duty (21%), General Betting Duty (15%), and Pool Betting Duty (15%)—into a single unified rate.
The HBLB has publicly warned that the proposed reform could result in an effective tax increase for certain operators, with downstream effects on levy contributions that support the racing industry. The consultation is scheduled to close on 21 July.
For a sector heavily reliant on the financial input of betting operators, the outcome of this process could reshape how resources are allocated across everything from prize money to animal welfare initiatives.