Welsh bookmaker questions what’s next following greyhound prohibition

(AsiaGameHub) –   James Lovell, co-founder and Director of Welsh bookmaker DragonBet, has strongly criticised the government’s recent decision to outlaw greyhound racing.

Lovell described the move as “a huge shame,” asserting that it was not supported by concrete evidence but rather driven by a political agenda that overlooks an entire sport which has significantly prioritized animal welfare.

“For many people, this sport is a way of life, built around people who care deeply for their dogs and have dedicated their lives to them,” Lovell stated.

He also accused the government of inconsistency, arguing that the criticisms leveled against greyhound racing could equally apply to horse racing, a sport currently thriving in Wales.

Currently, Wales has three active horse racing venues: Bangor-on-Dee, Chepstow, and Ffos Las. In contrast, there is only one operational greyhound track, the Valley Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach, Hengoed.

“At a time when horse racing in Wales is achieving real success and giving people something to be proud of, it is fair to ask where this ends. Today it is greyhound racing – tomorrow, what sport involving animals is next?,” DragonBet’s Director concluded.

As a reminder, Wales’ Senedd voted in favor of a proposal to ban greyhound racing, citing animal welfare concerns. The prohibition is set to take effect on April 1, 2027, with a three-year transition period until April 1, 2030, for all stakeholders to adapt to the changes.

The decision, like that affecting DragonBet, has faced considerable opposition, notably from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) and its Chief Executive Officer, Mark Bird.

Echoing Lovell’s sentiments, Bird expressed his disappointment with the government’s decision, adding: “The only thing this Bill will do is destroy people’s jobs, family-run businesses and community touchpoints not to mention cause significant loss to the Welsh economy.”

Currently, Wales and Scotland are the only two countries in the UK to have officially banned greyhound racing, with both bans being voted on the same day. Greyhound racing has not been conducted in Scotland since its last regulated track in Fife closed in 2019.

The GBGB has, predictably, voiced strong opposition to both bans. Commenting on the Scottish ban last week, Bird criticized the bill as ‘unevidenced, illogical and will help no-one in Scotland – least of all greyhounds’.

Globally, the sport can still be legally organized in the US, Australia, Ireland, England, and Northern Ireland. New Zealand is also set to ban it in 2025.