The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has formally launched a legal challenge in an attempt to block the Welsh Government’s proposed ban on greyhound racing, a move that could spark a far-reaching legal and political standoff over the future of the sport.
The legal action follows an announcement made on 18th February 2025 by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, in which he outlined plans to prohibit greyhound racing “as soon as practicably possible.” The decision came in the wake of a public consultation that reportedly attracted over 35,000 signatures in favour of a ban, many of them backed by animal welfare organisations including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Hope Rescue, and Greyhound Rescue Wales.
If passed, the legislation would close Valley Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach, Wales’ last remaining greyhound racing track, which has been in operation since 1976.
However, GBGB CEO Mark Bird has condemned the proposed ban as “disproportionate and unjustified,” claiming the consultation was “heavily influenced by extreme animal rights groups” and lacked a balanced, evidence-led approach.
“GBGB has always strongly opposed any ban on greyhound racing and continually encouraged policymakers to support robust regulation, which is evidently the most effective way to protect the welfare of racing greyhounds and the integrity and prosperity of the sport going forward,” Bird said.
He confirmed the organisation had filed for a judicial review of the proposed legislation, stating:
“We believe that our claim for judicial review is both strong and justified following the Deputy First Minister’s statement. We are grateful to all those supporting this claim as we strive to secure the future of the sport.”
A Blow to a Betting Tradition
The decision has sparked concern among track operators and trainers and within Wales’ thriving iGaming community, where greyhound betting has long been a popular pastime.
According to Betting Sites Ltd a betting comparison website operated out of Penarth, Welsh bettors make up a significant share of greyhound racing activity online, including fixtures at Valley Greyhounds.
“We receive a great deal of traffic from Wales, especially from users looking to bet on greyhound racing,” said a spokesperson from Bettingsites.ltd.uk. “Events at Valley Greyhounds attract a loyal base of players. This is more than gambling, it’s sport, it’s community, it’s tradition. Banning greyhound racing will erase an important part of that local sporting identity.”
Welsh bookmaker DragonBet also weighed in. Its founder, David Lovell, noted:
“Greyhound racing is a cornerstone of British sporting tradition and betting on the dogs is underpinned by a genuine love and respect for the animals involved. Welfare is not only taken seriously, it’s fundamental to the sport’s long-term viability.”
Wider Implications for UK iGaming and the Economy
Beyond cultural and sporting concerns, industry voices are also sounding the alarm over the potential economic fallout.
“What concerns me most is that this decision appears to be driven more by political optics and pressure from fringe activism than by robust, evidence-based assessments of welfare standards,” one senior iGaming executive told iGaming News.
“If greyhound racing can be banned despite operating under regulated frameworks, what precedent does this set for other animal-involved sports like horse racing?”
The UK’s iGaming industry is expected to contribute £3.6 billion in tax revenue during the current financial year. Greyhound racing is a key part of sportsbook offerings, so any disruption could reverberate through operator revenues, jobs, and digital engagement, particularly in regional areas like Wales.
“Removing greyhound racing from the equation doesn’t just hurt trainers and track owners,” the executive continued. “It threatens bookmakers, tech providers, marketing teams and affiliate businesses too, all of whom form part of a wider economy.”
What’s Next?
The GBGB’s legal challenge is now pending review, with proceedings expected to progress later in the year. Meanwhile, the legislation itself has yet to be debated in the Senedd, leaving the sport in a state of uncertainty as stakeholders across Wales and the UK await the outcome.
For now, Valley Greyhounds continues to race and for many in the Welsh sporting and betting communities, it symbolises much more than a track. It represents a longstanding tradition, a shared community experience and a critical cog in both the cultural and economic machinery of Welsh sport.
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