Ladbrokes bookmaker sign 10 year deal with Greyhound Racing NSW
In an unprecedented move that underscores the significance of New South Wales (NSW) in the world of greyhound racing, Entain Australia, the parent company of Ladbrokes, has committed to a ground breaking 10-year multi-million dollar partnership with Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW).
Unfortunately the announcement of the deal is extremely light on detail of the extent of the partnership, other than that “the deal will in time, see all racetracks around the State branded as Ladbrokes' venues”.
GRNSW claim the deal “represents one of the most significant deals in greyhound racing history, distinguished not only by its financial value but also by its inclusion of a crucial component addressing animal welfare”; but again we are left to guess at the potential outcomes.
While practically zero details regarding the partnership between the NSW commercial arm of greyhound racing, and Australian online bookmaker Ladbrokes, have been divulged; GRNSW chief Rob Macaulay has heralded the agreement as a game-changer for the sport,
Macaulay called the deal a “unique partnership” that outshines any previous commercial deals of this type by a substantial margin, without providing any significant detail.
“This is a huge win for greyhound racing in NSW,” Macaulay said, underscoring the deal's significance for the welfare of the greyhounds and the sport's supporters alike.
He further stated that the agreement was the result of a competitive and rigorous tender process, but NSW greyhound fans are left to ‘take his word for it', without any mention of tender process or its management.
GRNSW have called the partnership “a testament to Ladbrokes' steadfast support of the NSW greyhound racing industry”.
“Greyhound racing in NSW has never been stronger, with incredible growth and popularity – and we are thrilled to be officially painting the state red,” expressed Dean Shannon, CEO of Entain Australia.
The deal marks a continuation of Ladbrokes' longstanding involvement in the greyhound racing industry, which dates back to 1976 when the company first ventured into greyhound racing with the acquisition of Perry Barr Stadium and Totalisators and Greyhound Holdings in the United Kingdom (UK).
Shannon emphasised the significant welfare component of the deal, in collaboration with GRNSW, as a key aspect of their commitment.
The partnership also guarantees the return of Ladbrokes' name to the GRNSW flagship event – the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase.
The partnership comes at a pivotal moment in the history of the NSW greyhound racing industry, which has seen an impressive resurgence following a period of publicised turmoil following the ill-fated NSW greyhound ban.
Over the last year, wagering on greyhound betting in NSW has exceeded $3 billion for the first time, marking a substantial 26% increase from the previous record of $2.47 billion wagered the preceding year.
The inclusion of an animal welfare component in the Ladbrokes-GRNSW deal signifies a proactive response to these past issues, reflecting the industry's renewed commitment to humane treatment and protection of the greyhounds.
The industry's reform efforts have led to a remarkable rebound from those difficult times, with this new partnership setting the stage for a future where animal welfare, commercial success, and the excitement of the sport coexist harmoniously.
You can read all about Ladbrokes and their suitability for betting on greyhounds in our Ladbrokes bookmaker review.
Entain, the parent company of Ladbrokes, and greyhound bookmaker Neds, only recently announced a 25 year deal to take control of the New Zealand (NZ) TAB operations.