There are currently 21 licensed greyhound racing tracks operating in the UK.
History of Greyhound Racing in the UK
Greyhound racing has a long and storied history in the UK. The sport was introduced to the British Isles in the early 20th century, with the first recorded race taking place in Belle Vue, Manchester, in 1926. The sport quickly gained popularity, and during its heyday in the mid-20th century, there were over 70 operational greyhound tracks across the country.
The next few decades saw a decline in greyhound racing popularity due to several factors, including changing societal attitudes towards animal welfare, and the advent of alternative forms of entertainment and gambling.
Nonetheless, greyhound racing remains a popular entertainment option in the UK, and the number of tracks has remained relatively stable in recent years.
Breakdown of Active Greyhound Tracks in the UK
Here is a detailed look at the 21 remaining greyhound tracks spread throughout the UK:
- Brighton and Hove Stadium, Brighton and Hove
- Central Park Stadium, Sittingbourne
- Crayford Stadium, London
- Doncaster Stadium, Doncaster
- Harlow Stadium, Harlow
- Henlow Stadium, Stondon
- Kinsley Stadium, Kinsley
- Monmore Green Stadium, Wolverhampton
- Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle upon Tyne
- Nottingham Stadium, Nottingham
- Oxford Stadium, Oxford
- Owlerton Stadium, Sheffield
- Pelaw Grange, Chester-le-Street
- Perry Barr Stadium, Birmingham
- Romford Stadium, London
- Suffolk Downs, Mildenhall, Suffolk
- Sunderland Stadium, Sunderland
- Swindon Stadium, Swindon
- Towcester Stadium, Towcester
- Valley Stadium, Ystrad Mynach, Wales
- Yarmouth Stadium, Great Yarmouth
Factors Affecting the Number of Greyhound Tracks
A number of factors have contributed to the fluctuating numbers of greyhound racing tracks in the UK.
Legislative Influence
Changes in legislation have significantly affected the number of operational tracks. The introduction of the Betting and Gaming Act 1960, which legalized off-course betting shops, led to a reduced need for gambling facilities at the racetracks. More recently, the 2005 Gambling Act has ushered in a new era of tighter regulation, prompting some smaller tracks to cease operations.
Animal Welfare Concerns
Animal welfare concerns have repeatedly been at the forefront of debates on greyhound racing. Accusations of cruel treatment have led to calls for tighter regulations on the industry, or for it to be banned altogether.
Market Forces and Economic Factors
Just like any other industry, greyhound racing is susceptible to market forces and wider economic factors. Over the past few decades, there have been periods of both expansion and contraction, largely mirroring the broader socio-economic climate. In more recent years, the greater choice in leisure activities (both offline and online) and changes in consumer behavior have put increased competitive pressure on greyhound racing.
These aspects continue to shape the greyhound racing landscape in the UK and will determine the number and viability of tracks for years to come.
Attendance and Betting Statistics at UK Greyhound Tracks
Focusing on the number of greyhound racing tracks in the UK, an interesting aspect to explore is track attendance and betting. While there are 21 licensed tracks in the country, some experience higher attendance and turnover than others:
Attendance
Greyhound racing in the UK has seen a decline in spectators over the last few decades. In the 1940s, millions of people attended these events. According to the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), in 2019, an estimated 1.9 million people attended UK greyhound racing across the 21 licensed tracks. Despite the overall decline, greyhound racing still remains a popular amusement in some regions.
Betting
Legal betting on greyhound races has been a significant aspect in attracting spectators and maintaining the sport’s presence in the UK. In fact, the total off-course betting turnover on British greyhound racing amounted to approximately £229 million in 2020 (excluding pool betting), while on-course betting turnover reached £1.62 million in the same year.
Safety and Regulation of the Greyhound Racing Industry
Another subtopic focusing on the number of greyhound racing tracks in the UK is the safety and regulation of the industry. The GBGB, which is responsible for overseeing the sport and ensuring greyhound welfare across all tracks, implements a range of regulations to safeguard both greyhounds and bettors.
Welfare Regulations
The GBGB has established extensive regulations designed to promote the welfare of greyhounds at every stage of their racing lives. This includes:
- Inspections for each track, with a minimum of two unscheduled visits per year, to ensure that tracks adhere to welfare regulations
- Required record-keeping of greyhounds from birth to retirement, along with an established database to track these details
- Tracking Injuries: During 2019, the injury rate for racing greyhounds was 1.15% with 4,970 injuries recorded out of around 431,000 runs. The GBGB closely monitors the injury statistics and works to enhance safety measures for the greyhounds.
Betting Regulations
The UK’s Gambling Commission plays a central role in regulating wagering on greyhound races. Its mission is to ensure fair play, facilitating responsible betting and preventing criminal activities connected to gambling. Key measures include:
- Licensing bookmakers operating at greyhound tracks
- Ensuring full compliance with relevant laws and regulations, such as the Gambling Act 2005
- Addressing complaints from track-goers and bettors
The combination of welfare and betting regulations is designed to promote the responsible operations of the 21 greyhound racing tracks in the UK, thus encouraging a sustainable, safe and transparent environment for the sport.
