UK greyhound racing receives contribution from bookmakers

Bookmakers in the country agreed a €3.5 million deal to send voluntary contributions to a racing fund.

UK.- A new deal agreed by UK’s biggest bookmakers is guaranteeing an extra €3.5 million to the British Greyhound Racing Fund. The agreement establishes that the online bookmakers will make voluntary contributions to the fund on internet turnover and is expected to increase the income to around €10.5 million a year.

The Minister for Sport, Mims Davies, has revealed that the funding will go towards improving safety across the nation’s 21 licensed racetracks, kennel improvements and the provision of air-conditioning for trainers’ vehicles to improve welfare standards. It mainly contributes towards new veterinary staff and healthcare for greyhounds.

The voluntary commitment was signed by Betfred, William Hill, Sky Betting and Gaming, and Paddy Power Betfair after discussions headed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. These operators follow Ladbrokes-Coral, Bet 365 and Jennings Bet, who previously made similar commitments.

“I am delighted to have reached an agreement with leading operators to ensure the welfare of our greyhounds is protected and improved through this fund. I strongly urge all remaining bookmakers that take bets on greyhound racing who have not signed up to this agreement to follow suit and support the sport,” said Gambling Minister Mims Davies.

Joe Scanlon, Chairman of the British Greyhound Racing Fund, said: “With this deal the BGRF will be close to full support from all the major retail and online operators and it will provide a firm basis for delivering the enhanced welfare and integrity provision the sport of greyhound racing expects.”