Ladbrokes Coral agree to pay greyhound levy

Ladbrokes Coral have agreed to paying a voluntary levy for greyhound racing based on off shore greyhound turnover from the start of next year.

The levy will be used to help modernise the tracks and is also intended to increase the animal’s welfare amongst other issues.

The declaration was made unconditionally with the understanding that the payments will be directed to the industry via the British Greyhound Racing Fund or through the appropriate funding body, as advised by Lord Lipsey’s current review into the sport which is still underway.

Ladbrokes Coral currently operate four tracks in the UK, located at Crayford, Hove, Monmore and Romford. The levy will be added to the current retail levy as well as the significant investment in welfare and infrastructure at these tracks.

Commenting on the announcement, Jim Mullen, Ladbrokes Coral Chief Executive said: “We are passionate supporters of greyhound racing. While it may be declining in popularity it is still a much loved and staple part of our offer both in shops and through our digital channels.

“The debate on its funding has been going on for some time and while we have not always agreed that the sport is under-funded, we do recognise that it is time for the industry to move on and start to rebuild the sport.

“We run our tracks to the highest standards of integrity and welfare and hope that this additional funding can help the wider industry join us in the aim of building a better sport and spectacle for the modern day customer. We hope this gesture will help Lord Lipsey bring a period of stability to the sport when he produces his findings and that others will follow.”