Harness Racing SA backflips on annual administration levy for bookmakers

A key decision by a principal racing authority has been overturned following backlash from bookmakers, with Harness Racing SA (HRSA) scrapping a proposed annual administration levy that was set to take effect under the FY26 HRSA Integrity and Contributions Agreement.

The $2000 levy, announced earlier this year, faced strong opposition from smaller and mid-tier bookmakers who argued it unfairly advantaged major corporate wagering operators while potentially making it unviable for others to field on South Australian harness racing events.

After several online bookmakers threatened to withdraw their support for South Australia’s wagering product, HRSA last week moved to revoke the fee in what has been hailed as a victory for the industry’s smaller players.

Both the Australian Bookmakers Association and the Victorian Bookmakers Association had voiced significant concern, warning that the levy would disproportionately impact traditional on-course and boutique operators.

While major corporate firms might absorb such costs with ease, smaller bookmakers feared the added expense could lead to decreased coverage of South Australian harness meetings and limit punters’ access to competitive odds.

For those following the action, you can compare the top bookmakers and betting options available via our list of Australian betting sites.