British Greyhound Racing Fund Receives Much Needed Support

Greyhound racing is becoming a very niche sport with all but four of the registered tracks in the United States shutting down, leaving the United Kingdom as the largest market for this fast-paced pastime.

However much like other animal-based sporting events such as horse racing, it is necessary for third party oversight to ensure that the animals are treated fairly both on and off the track.

More Details Caring for our Canine Competitors

In Great Britain, the British Greyhound Racing Fund (BGRF) sees to the welfare of these amazing canine competitors by ensuring the following:

Greyhounds are trained in an ethical and sustainable manner.
Providing emergency response services for canines in need.
Supporting greyhound retirement and rehoming initiatives.
Ensuring the integrity of the owners and betting industry around greyhound races.
Providing grants to stadia – in particular those impacted by the pandemic.

Given how niche an industry it is one could be fooled into thinking the above outputs are relatively simple to administer however the most recent statistics for the industry show that it comprises:

19 registered racecourses
860 accredited officials
4000 kennel and care staff
900 trainers
7500 annual greyhound registrations

Ensuring the care, oversight and coordination of such an expansive sporting infrastructure takes manpower and time, both of which require ongoing funding.

VIP Working Together to Save the Day

Given that the BGRF is funded by bookmakers through a voluntary donation of 0.06% of their revenue the organisation was facing a drastic reduction in income with the potential for increased welfare and support costs.

However, thanks to the timely support of several members of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) the organisation has been able to not only maintain its expected standards but was able to support the Greyhound Board of Great Britain with a £600,000 welfare grant.

BGRF Chairman, Joe Scanlon, was ecstatic:

“It’s fantastic news for the whole of the greyhound industry that all of the Betting and Gaming Council members who offer bets on greyhound racing, both in retail and online, are now supporting the Fund. Despite all the challenges of the past 12 months we’re feeling positive about the future of this excellent sport.”

When looking at the budget needed to continue their support of the industry and manage the additional welfare projects costs brought on by the pandemic the BGRF estimated they would need an additional £1 million in funding.

BGC chairperson, Brigid Simmonds said:

“Watching greyhound racing is part of our culture and social fabric that has been closed over the last year. It is vitally important that 100 per cent of members of the BGC who benefit from income from greyhound racing also support the industry. I am delighted that our members have stepped up their financial support and the BGC will remain keen supporters of BGRF and the many charities it supports.”

As it turns out the members of BGC were more than willing to dig deep in support of an industry that is such a stalwart of British gambling culture. Brands such as Betfair, 888 and Betway have put the BGRF well on its way to hitting its million Pound Sterling goal for the year ensuring the longevity of the sport during trying times.