Greyhound Racing Surge Attributed to Streaming and Betting, Say Campaigners

Animal welfare advocates have stated that the volume of greyhound races in Wales is increasing, a trend they attribute to streaming services and betting activities. Greyhound Rescue Wales specifically noted that streaming has significantly contributed to the “uplift” in races at Valley Stadium, Wales’ sole track, which received its license last year. Conversely, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), which regulates licensed greyhound racing, attributed this rise to the track’s new regulated status, emphasizing the implementation of formal safeguards and welfare protocols. The Welsh government is anticipated to release its findings this autumn regarding a consultation that explored the possibility of a phased prohibition on greyhound racing. Tim Doyle, chief executive of Greyhound Rescue Wales, commented that the “main output of the Valley track, like most tracks in the UK, is to serve live streaming contracts”. Mr. Doyle further stated that Valley Stadium, located in Hengoed, Rhymney Valley, and licensed by GBGB in August last year, conducted 42 races in November 2023, in contrast to 168 races last month. Mr. Doyle remarked, “A lot of people have this rose-tinted view of greyhound racing as a night out at the dogs [and] that the tracks are packed with people of an evening,” adding, “That’s not really where the majority of business is coming from.” According to Mr. Doyle, the industry has experienced a consistent decline over the past two decades, yet he expressed concern that the streaming business model might enable it to keep “clinging on” for an extended period. His organization has partnered with Gamban, a software designed to block gambling websites, to advocate for the cessation of greyhound racing in Wales. Matt Zarb-Cousin, a co-founder of Gamban, characterized greyhound racing as “antiquated” and asserted that races have devolved into merely “random betting events”. Mr. Zarb-Cousin stated, “It’s an industry that unfortunately derives far too much of its revenues from people with gambling problems.” He also criticized the gambling industry, citing the harm he believes is inflicted upon animals and individuals in its “pursuit of profit”. Both Mr. Zarb-Cousin and Mr. Doyle articulated concerns regarding animal welfare and the industry’s regulatory framework. Mr. Doyle commented, “It’s not regulation, it’s self-regulation; it’s regulated by the industry itself.” He referenced GBGB data indicating that approximately 2000 greyhounds died and over 18,000 injuries occurred on regulated tracks from 2018 to 2021. The GBGB, however, reported that the fatality rate at tracks decreased by half during this identical timeframe, attributing this reduction to implemented welfare improvement measures. Mr. Doyle noted that rehoming greyhounds has become progressively challenging because of a “stagnation” in the number of prospective adopters. He attributed this difficulty to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and anxieties about increasing veterinary expenses. A Welsh government consultation, which examined a phased ban on greyhound racing, concluded earlier this year. A spokesperson confirmed that its response is anticipated to be published this autumn. This consultation followed a petition with 35,000 signatures and a Senedd committee’s recommendation for a “gradual” cessation of the sport in Wales. Concurrently, a petition advocating for the sport garnered over 10,000 signatures. The GBGB stated that the heightened activity at Valley Stadium stemmed from “a previously unlicensed track – which had no formal safeguards in place around welfare – becoming regulated in Wales”. It added that the track attracts a “strong, local core of racing enthusiasts who appreciate and enjoy the sport, and importantly, value the measures now in place to protect welfare”. A spokesperson further elaborated, “There is a vet on site at all times, a national network of experts offering advice and visiting trainers’ residential kennels, and an extensive set of rules that ensure racing has the highest standards of welfare and integrity.” They asserted that these standards are why “we are proud to uphold that British licensed greyhound racing remains a popular product of choice for broadcasters here and globally – something which… contributes £166 million to the British economy”. They also noted, “Online betting on sport involving animals is something that cuts across horseracing, greyhound racing and other sports.” The spokesperson suggested that if their method of enhancing greyhound welfare through regulating a formerly unlicensed track warrants “scrutiny and criticism, then the BBC’s multimillion-pound spend on horseracing is likewise in the dock”. Valley Racetrack chose not to provide a comment. A spokesperson for the Betting and Gaming Council, which serves as the standards body for the regulated UK betting and gaming industry, stated: “We welcome the significant improvement in facilities and standards at the Valley.” They added, “Last year, industry sponsorship for greyhound racing totalled £30,000 while in the same year, our members voluntarily donated over £7m to the British Greyhound Racing Fund for the welfare of greyhounds.”