Government officials have welcomed last night's late agreement on a Levy settlement for 2009/10.

The deal between bookmakers and the Horserace Betting Levy Board on the next scheme was sealed before the midnight deadline, to the relief of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "I welcome the fact that both sides came to an agreement and the levy does not have to go to government for determination.

"I also welcome the fact that the Levy Board is taking up the progress already made by the all-party group to find an alternative to the current levy system. I look forward to seeing their report in April 2009."