Global Greyhound racing

Greyhound racing is enjoyed all over the world, including Great Britain, U.S, Ireland and Australia.

Greyhound racing is the sixth largest spectator sport in the United States and is legal in 18 states. Betting on Greyhound Racing in the UK is well known and probably the best place to bet on Greyhounds.

Greyhound racing reached its peak of popularity in 1992, when 3.5 million spectators watched greyhound racing in more than 16,827 races.

Greyhound racing contributes, from the mutuel handle only, over $100 million to state and county authorities.

Greyhound tracks donate to charities in excess of $2 million annually.

On the average 80% of the money wagered (the handle) on a given day is returned to the buyers of the winning tickets (percentage varies depending on the place).

The largest purse of $152,800, Bomb Threat, May 27, 1996, The Woodlands, Bernie Collette owner, Clinton Blair Kennel;May 27, 1996 in the Great Greyhound Futurity at The Woodlands in Kansas City, KS.

Most Greyhound programs consist of 13 races, each with six or eight Greyhounds. However it is not uncommon to see a 14- or 15-race card.5/16, 3/8, 7/16 and 9/16-mile, are the most common race distances in Greyhound racing.Greyhounds will cover the 5/16-mile course in approximately 31 seconds reaching speeds up to 45 m.p.h.

The American Greyhound Council works earnestly to promote Greyhound adoptions and to ensure the welfare of racing Greyhounds.

Florida is the leading state for Greyhound racing. Its tracks generate millions in revenue.

More than 15 million people visit the tracks resulting in more than $100 million in revenue for the state and county. More than $2 billion will be wagered each year.

A track capable of sustaining a pari-mutuel handle of more than half a million dollars will employ at least 600 people. This figure does not include the economic impact for restaurants, motels,toruist gasoline sales, etc.

Greyhounds are bred to race and love to do it. They are muzzled to prevent any chance of over-zealous play in the turnout pens and to assist in determining photo-finishes.