Arena Racing Company (ARC) has advised bookmakers that they are likely to lose members of staff, as a result of the imminent cuts caused by the government's decision to clamp down on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs).
Arc is anticipating 1,000 betting shop closures by the end of the year, meaning several jobs are at risk after the settlement from parliament saw a reduction in FOBT stakes, from £100 to £2 from April 1st, lowering overall profits.
The well-known organisation also announced back in December that it would be reducing its contribution to prize-money by £3 million - a reduction that comes into force next week.
(Credit: Racing Post) Arc Chief Executive Martin Cruddace said then: "It was not a decision everyone has taken lightly.
"However, the racecourse group, which operates 16 tracks and is due to stage 570 meetings in 2019, simply cannot continue to maintain its current levels of contributions to prize-money," he said.
Arc employs 650 permanent staff, with 3,500 casual staff for racing and events across those 16 courses Cruddace mentioned, which includes the likes of Lingfield, Chepstow, and Doncaster.
The Jockey Club has responded themselves and come out since promising to maintain its own contribution to prize-money for this year, despite settling for what will be a "multi-million pound reduction" in income from media rights in future seasons.
It will also be the first time in a decade they have been unable to increase their regular input from the previous year.
Jobs are the concern though, and it is understood Arc's staff have been informed of the company's position this week.
It is believed voluntary redundancy packages will be made available, but Arc's workforce were warned compulsory job losses were very likely.
It is not yet known how many, or where the cuts will be made.