Greyhound racing is widely appreciated and its popularity is growing constantly throughout Australia, this is due to a strong relationship with betting culture, making it a multi-million dollar industry. Western Australia is where greyhound racing is notably more popular than in any other State or territory, and it attracts around 2,000 participants looking to enjoy the sport. During greyhound racing the dogs chase a lure, which is almost always some form of artificial animal sure as a rabbit or a hare, and the first dog which crosses the finish line is deemed to be the winner. Greyhound racing has its roots in the late 1800’s when the first recorded attempt at greyhound racing was attempted beside Welsh Harp reservoir, Hendon.

Greyhound racing is regarded as an amateur sport throughout many countries where it is conducted purely for enjoyment alone. In other countries including Australia, UK and the USA, it is a much more lucrative betting sport. In many countries there is widespread concern for the well-being of the dogs that race, despite this its popular opinion in Australia that greyhounds are taken care of properly during their racing career. In Australia the greyhounds reside in kennels overnight and during the day they are allowed to run free in enclosed yards to get the necessary exercise that is essential for the breed, keeping them healthy and happy.

There are a number of important greyhound racing venues throughout Australian states and territories including, Wentworth Park, Cannington Park, Albion Park and Sandown Park. Almost identically to horse racing each Australian State and territory has a body set up specifically to govern the sport of greyhound racing. Greyhound Racing New South Wales and Greyhound Racing Victoria together govern over 40 racetracks and they are the two largest governing bodies. GRNSW runs a unique program dedicated to rehabilitating and improving the quality of life for retired greyhounds, the program is called ‘Greyhounds as Pets’. Its specific aims include countering the opinion that greyhounds are condemned to a poor life when they retire from racing. Their program is a not for profit initiative. They provide dogs with a change of pace or career after racing and they train the greyhounds to live outside the structured and regimented life of racing.

Unlike horse racing greyhound is an accessible sport and allows many people the chance to get actively involved, allowing anyone to experience the excitement and thrill of racing your own greyhound. The financial rewards alone can provide enough of an adrenaline rush alone with stake money for Western Australia exceeds $9 million annually. Most people involved in greyhound racing do it is as a hobby and not as a first source of income, therefore the earnings from stake money are completely free from taxation.

Greyhound racing may not be as popular or lucrative as horse racing in Australia, but it is much more accessible to any person wishing to get involved with the sport and popularity throughout Australia is ever growing thanks to the strong relationship between betting culture and greyhound racing.