Greyhound Betting on the Up, Despite Tracks Closing
Today, despite the closure of numerous tracks, greyhound betting maintains a presence, supported by a range of bookmakers dedicated to the sport.
Greyhound racing, once a thriving spectator sport in Great Britain, now teeters on the brink of uncertainty.
Its inception dates back to a straight track experiment in Hendon in 1876, evolving significantly by 1926 when the first official meeting took place at Belle Vue Stadium, Manchester. This sport witnessed a surge in popularity post-World War II, drawing crowds estimated at around 75 million in 1946. However, the landscape of greyhound racing began to change with the introduction of off-course betting in the early 1960s, marking the commencement of a gradual decline.
The Current State of Greyhound Racing
Today, despite the closure of numerous tracks, greyhound betting maintains a presence, supported by a range of bookmakers dedicated to the sport. According to the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), 21 licensed racing venues remain operational across the country. These venues continue to host events, albeit under the shadow of the sport's former glory.
Table: Remaining Greyhound Racing Tracks in the UK
| Track Name |
|---|
| Brighton and Hove |
| Central Park |
| Crayford |
| Doncaster |
| Harlow |
| Kinsley |
| Monmore Green |
| Newcastle |
| Nottingham |
| Oxford |
| Pelaw Grange |
| Perry Barr |
| Romford |
| Sheffield |
| Suffolk Downs |
| Sunderland |
| Swindon |
| Towcester |
| Valley |
| Yarmouth |
Recent closures, such as Henlow Stadium in January 2024, underscore the ongoing challenges within the industry. Henlow's departure followed the cessation of other notable venues like Peterborough and Hall Green, with the iconic Wimbledon Stadium's closure in 2017 marking a significant loss, particularly felt during the cessation of the English Greyhound Derby it hosted for 32 years.
Pressure from Animal Welfare Groups
Several tracks, including Towcester, have faced increased scrutiny and direct actions from animal welfare groups. Despite substantial investments to improve safety and welfare standards—such as Britain's first dedicated greyhound ambulance launched by Towcester—the sport continues to confront substantial challenges. Activists, under banners like Animal Rising, have become more vocal and effective, influencing public perception and attendance.
The Future of Greyhound Racing
The greyhound racing industry in the UK is at a crossroads, grappling with diminishing attendance and ongoing criticism from animal rights advocates. While venues like Towcester strive to set high standards in animal welfare and safety, the overall number of tracks continues to decline. The sport's future, once buoyed by massive crowds and widespread popularity, now hangs in a precarious balance. The remaining tracks fight not just for profitability but for the very survival of a sport steeped in British cultural history.
Whether these efforts will suffice to sustain greyhound racing in the UK remains uncertain. The dwindling number of tracks and the continuous pressure from various fronts suggest that greyhound racing might be approaching its final laps in the historical and cultural landscape of British sports.
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