Major Australian gaming and wagering company Tabcorp is to source alternative streams following the decision by the New South Wales government to cease greyhound racing from July 1, 2017.
Source: Alex Lapuerta
Greyhound racing in the state represents around five per cent of Tabcorp’s total wagering turnover, though the company says it “expects a significant level of substitution will occur to other wagering product, such as thoroughbred racing, harness racing, sport and animated racing” when the ban comes into effect.
Tabcorp’s media business, Sky Racing, will work with other Australian and international racing industry bodies to source alternative racing product, it says.
Greyhound Racing NSW, the official organisation and state industry regulator, said it was “devastated” by the government’s decision to shut down the sport, which follows a livebaiting scandal revealed earlier this year, where live animals were being used to train greyhounds.
In a statement it said: “In the past 16 months, GRNSW has transformed the organisation and regulation of the industry to significantly improve animal welfare and supervision of the industry.
“GRNSW had taken decisive action as it strived to recover community trust and believed that its reforms and strategic direction could have transformed the sport into a stronger sustainable one in which animal welfare and integrity were fundamental to a vibrant future. The industry wanted to do more and was committed in doing so.
It will continue to “tirelessly advocate for its members and carry on to ensure greyhound racing industry participants receive the support they need as the industry winds down,” the organisation said.
