Greyhound racing is a bit of an impasse in the UK with the sport facing political pressure and declining attendances, but for the people involved in running the sport its business as usual.
This not only includes the day-to-day running and long-term organisation of tracks but also the business behind the racing, with Doncaster Greyhound Racing Stadium securing a deal to continue distributing to global operators.
The racecourse has inked a deal with SIS (Sports Information Services) covering 24/7 live betting services until 2028. The respective partners have been working together for the past eight years with the arrangement covering all five of the racetrack’s weekly fixtures.
Paul Witten, EMEA Managing Director at SIS, said: “We have enjoyed a strong partnership with Doncaster Greyhound Stadium since 2017, and this renewal underlines our commitment to working collaboratively to deliver a robust and consistent greyhound racing product.
“Doncaster continues to play an important role in our 24/7 racing schedule, helping us to meet the needs of operators and bettors around the world.”
Tough trading for greyhound racing
SIS is a key partner to the greyhound racing sector as well as the more valuable and widely watched horse racing – though like its counterparts in greyhound racing, horse racing is also facing commercial, political and regulatory challenges.
UK greyhound racing took a big hit earlier this year when the Welsh government unveiled plans to ban greyhound racing in the country, becoming the first of the UK’s four home nations to do so.
This came off the back of the New Zealand government also banning greyhound racing leaving Australia, the US, Republic of Ireland and UK (likely soon excluding Wales) the only countries where greyhound racing is legally continued.
On top of this, declining attendances have led to many tracks closing their doors. In Greater London, for example, Romford is the only greyhound track remaining open, according to a report by the Racing Post earlier this year. This has led to deals with the likes of SIS, which deliver greyhound racing feeds directly to customers in betting shops and on bookmaker websites, even more important.
Robert Watson, whose family own and operate Doncaster Greyhound Stadium, said: “SIS shares our passion for delivering top-tier greyhound racing and we are pleased to secure this renewal.
“The agreement gives us a solid foundation to continue investing in our iconic track and racing programme. Having worked with SIS for eight years, we value their
