Greyhound racing is about to become a thing of the past in Wales, and the British Gaming Council (BGC) is not at all happy about the situation. The UK-focused gambling industry advocacy group is suggesting that a ban on all Greyhound racing in the UK is being motivated by a desire to win votes rather than any data-driven evidence that the sport is harmful.
Wales is the first part of the UK to actually implement the ban, but the rest of the country is set to follow, barring any last minute legal reprieves. Banning greyhound racing, the BGC says, would be a major mistake that would cost jobs and disproportionately impact working class people.
A BGC spokesperson addressed the issue in comments reported on by iGamingBusiness.com saying, “Greyhound racing is a working-class sport, enjoyed by thousands, and this draconian move will cost jobs, hurt the economy, while depriving people of a long established and legitimate source of joy.”
The group’s spokesperson reiterated BGC support for greyhound racing adding, “BGC members are proud to support greyhound racing and contribute significant funds for the welfare of dogs. Last year alone, our members voluntarily donated over £7 million to the British Greyhound Racing Fund for the welfare of greyhounds.”
Despite the BGC’s best efforts to save greyhound racing, they may be fighting a losing battle. Huw Irranca-Davies, deputy first minister with responsibility for climate change and rural affairs says there is widespread support for the ban in a recent statement on a Welsh government website saying, “I believe that now is the right time to move to ban greyhound racing in Wales. We are proud to be the first nation in the UK to do this.”
Support for the ban has met with general approval from the public and it’s likely that greyhound racing in the UK will not be around much longer.