The Government of Mauritius has announced a new wave of reforms aimed at modernizing and strengthening the country’s horse racing industry through a series of legislative amendments proposed under the 2026/27 National Budget.
The changes, which will be introduced through revisions to the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) Act, focus on improving integrity, transparency, funding, and the long-term sustainability of horse racing in Mauritius.
Among the most significant proposals is the establishment of a Horse Racing Fund, designed to provide dedicated financial support for key regulatory and welfare initiatives. The fund will finance laboratory analysis of blood, urine, and other samples collected during anti-doping procedures, ensuring stricter integrity controls across the sport.
It will also support the local recording of horse racing footage and provide insurance coverage for Mauritian apprentice jockeys, reinforcing the government’s commitment to athlete welfare and industry professionalism.
Funding for the new Horse Racing Fund will come from fees imposed on horse racing organisers for the international broadcasting of race footage, alongside contributions from licensed industry participants. Authorities believe this financing model will create a sustainable source of revenue to support the sector’s regulatory and operational needs.
The proposed amendments also expand the responsibilities of the Gambling Regulatory Authority by granting its board greater authority to develop training programmes for local apprentice jockeys. In addition, horse racing organisers will be required to submit quarterly operational reports to the regulator, enhancing accountability and enabling closer monitoring of industry activities.
Another key reform introduces tighter controls over race broadcasting rights. Under the proposed legislation, only holders of an official broadcasting licence will be authorised to transmit live horse racing events through either free-to-air platforms or paid broadcasting services. The measure is intended to improve the management of media rights while ensuring greater regulatory oversight of race coverage.
The budget also proposes changes to the taxation of horse racing betting. Rather than calculating betting tax based on the total amount wagered by punters, the new framework would tax operators on total stakes after deducting winnings paid to bettors. The revised approach is expected to create a fairer taxation model that more accurately reflects operators’ actual betting revenue.
The latest reforms represent another important step in Mauritius’ ongoing efforts to reshape its horse racing industry through comprehensive updates to the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act.
By enhancing governance, promoting responsible regulation, investing in local talent, and modernizing the sector’s financial framework, the government aims to position Mauritius’ horse racing industry for sustainable growth while strengthening confidence among participants, investors, and racing enthusiasts.
