Top Greyhound Betting Sites
Greyhound racing, of which there are two forms, is an organized, competitive sport in which greyhounds are raced around a track. The first, most popular form is track racing which is usually held at an oval racetrack and the second is coursing.
Track racing makes use of an artificial lure that travels ahead of the dogs on a rail until the greyhounds cross the finish line, while coursing makes use of a stuffed lure which is chased around an open field.
Much like with horseracing, betting on greyhound racing is incredibly popular and thanks to online sports betting, greyhound racing betting is more accessible than ever before.
How To The Essential Betting Guide to Greyhound Racing
Trilling events, fast-paced actions, and plenty of excitement are what every type of player should expect when placing their bets on greyhound racing. Even though the sport is far less famous than favourites like horse racing and football, it still does not deserve to be overlooked by anybody.
These are the principles that guided us here at Betopin when we were developing our greyhound racing betting guide. The guide is straight to the point and simple to understand for all bettors, including everyday and beginner gamblers. If you love greyhound racing betting, then expect the following from our guide:
- How to get started with greyhound racing
- The go-to greyhound racing betting sites
- Most popular greyhound racing markets
- Greyhound racing for beginners
- How to Get Started with Greyhound Racing Betting
Every player needs to get detailed information about their favourite sports events. We deeply understand this, and that is why we have this greyhound racing betting guide for sports lovers.
When you read the whole guide, you will be able to get essential information about who to bet with and all the greyhound racing markets available for you. Also, you will get a chance to learn all the basics, rules, and winning strategies. So keep on reading to get as much information as possible.
The Go-to Greyhound Racing Betting Sites
As a result of being a popular sport across the world, there are many websites that offer betting services on greyhound racing, making it difficult to choose the best one. We know that every player needs the best odds and betting services. So if you are looking for a site where you can comfortably place your bets on greyhound racing, look no further, visit our list below and choose one.
Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes is a UK-based bookmaker that was set up at the end of the 19th century. This makes it one of the oldest and most reputable betting sites in the world. The platform has more than 2, 700 betting outlets across the United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium, and Ireland.
It has followers from across the world and offers a great variety of sports markets. Despite being famous for horse racing, the platform also offers greyhound racing. If you are among players who love sports betting, then Ladbrokes should be your final destination.
William Hill
William Hill is one of the most famous high street bookmakers and offers the best odds on all major sports events, including greyhound racing, football, horse racing, rugby, and volleyball. It holds licenses from two reputable authorities in the industry to ensure the games available are fair and all other acts by the platform are transparent and fair.
At William Hill, every player is treated like a VIP, and any individuals with a gambling issues are assisted in the best way possible. If you want to be treated like a VIP, join William Hill and bet on greyhound betting today.
888Sport
With more than 40,000 individual offers on a daily basis, 888sport offers outstanding football and greyhound racing betting markets. All the odds and betting services available are above average and available to both desktop and mobile users.
When it comes to promotions, there are lots of bonuses, including the welcome offer. Create an 888sport account today, and place your bet on this popular sports event.
Bet365
Currently, Bet365 is considered the best and most famous online bookmaker in the industry. Apart from greyhound racing, there are many other sports betting offers available. They include football, horse racing, snooker, volleyball, and baseball, among others.
When it comes to greyhound racing betting, Bet365 offers the best odds making it the number one go-to site. So if you after a platform with excellent odds on greyhound racing betting, register with Bet365 now.
SkyBet
SkyBet is part of the Sky Betting and Gaming Company. The site has been around since 2002 and currently offers the best sports markets and odds in the industry. SkyBet is widely promoted by the Sky’s coverage of the English Premier League and is seen as a safe and high-quality betting product. It means that if you love greyhound racing, you can comfortably create an account with SkyBet and place your bets on the sport.
Betfair
Betfair is the most reliable and largest betting exchange in the industry. It offers a wide range of markets and provides players with an opportunity to trade their bets. When it comes to markets, you will get both major and minor sports events across the world.
Football, horse racing, greyhound racing, and rugby are the main sports available while American football and Aussie Rules football are the minor sports events. In addition to a vast array of markets, it offers the best odds on greyhound racing, horse racing, and football. If you are looking to take your online gaming experience to the next level, then create a Betfair account now and start betting.
Coral
At a glance, Coral is a well-known and highly trusted betting platform in the world. It has many shops across the United Kingdom and features a well-optimized site to fit on all types of screens. Coral has generous bonuses and promotions that range from the welcome offer to the VIP and loyalty offers. It was established in 1926, and since then, it has been the go-to site for greyhound racing enthusiasts. Join now and claim your welcome offer.
Matchbook
Matchbook makes it easier to place your bets on popular sports events across the world including greyhound racing and horse racing. It is an established betting exchange platform with low commissions.
The site welcomes its players with a fantastic welcome offer that they can use on greyhound racing betting. With the best odds and plenty of markets to choose from, Matchbook is considered the best go-to place for all greyhound racing betting fans.
Paddy Power
Paddy Power is a fantastic online betting platform that you can trust with your cash. The site was established in 1988, and since then, it has built a solid reputation for itself to become a leader in the online betting industry.
The platform has many helpful features that include a mobile app for both Android and iOS users. It offers a huge collection of sports markets, including greyhound and niche international events like novelty.
Most Popular Greyhound Racing Markets
Greyhound racing has various types of markets. They include:
Race Winner
This market includes betting on a greyhound to win. Your dog must come first to be the winner.
Straight Forecast
This type of bet involves picking two dogs to come first and second. For you to win, they must be in the correct order.
Each-Way
The Each-Way market includes backing a greyhound to be either first or second. Note that in this type of market, your stake is doubled.
Greyhound Racing for Beginners
If you are new to greyhound racing, then you must understand the following to make your betting process easier.
The Rules
- Always know your market
- Set your budget and stick to it
- Keep calm while betting
- Try and visualise the nature of the race
- Avoid short prices
Types of Races
- Open race
- Sprint race
- Middle-distance race
- Marathon or extended race
- The race for stayers
Distances
- Middle distance
- Sprint distance
- Long distance
- Major Events
The greyhound racing major events include Kirby Memories Stakes, William Hill St Leger, English Greyhound Derby, The Irish Independent Laurels, and The Ladbrokes Golden Jacket. From these tips, we know that you can now place your bets on this sport.
Top Greyhound Betting
Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
Top UK Races
Ladbroke Golden Jacket – 714m (Crayford)
The Ladbroke Golden Jacket is held each year at Crayford over a staying distance of 714m. Won in the past by dogs such as Top Honcho, Razldazl Billy and most recently Ballymac Eske.
Back in 2003, we saw the track record smashed by Smooth Rumble who got around in a time of 44.74 seconds.
Will we see another greyhound get around Crayford in such a blistering time?
Track Record – Centor Croker 44.74
Racing Post Scottish Derby – 480m (Shawfield)
Each year Shawfield, Glasgow host the Racing Post TV Scottish Derby. Over the years the Scottish Derby has been won by some top dogs with the likes of Ballymac Eske, Dorotas Whoo Hoo and current track record holder Fear Haribo who went around in a blistering time of 28.76.
This has been a very good race for punters, as 8 out of the last 13 favourites have obliged with little fuss.
Will it be another year for the favourite?
Track Record – Fear Haribo 28.76
John Smith Grand National (hurdle race) – 480m (Central Park)
Greyhound Grand National? Yes, it is what it says. The John Smith Grand National one of the original classics is a traditional greyhound race run over 480m, but there is a slight difference in that they must jump hurdles on their way around.
One of the greatest spectacles of the year at Central Park, the Grand National brings something different and exciting to the greyhound racing world.
This fast and exciting take on the world-famous horse race the Aintree Grand National has everything you want when thinking of greyhounds jumping hurdles.
Only specialist’s greyhounds can master the art of jumping at speed and go on to be crowned the John Smiths Grand National winner.
Track Record – Kildare Slippy 28.52
William Hill Grand Prix – 640m (Sunderland)
The William Hill Grand Prix first held at Sunderland back in 2007 this race forms part of the festival of racing which includes the William Hill Classic.
This staying tip is not for the faint-hearted of dogs. Run at a breakneck pace from the opening of the traps to the finishing line only the dogs with that mixture of speed and stamina will come out on top.
William Hill Classic – 450m (Sunderland)
The William Hill Classic is also a part of the festival of racing at Sunderland. Introduced at the same time as the Grand Prix the Classic has seen some great tracking over the years with Blond Snapper smashing the course record bk in 2011 in a time of 26.59.
The 1st place prize money is a staggering £25,000, so be sure that you will have dogs aimed to peak for this Classic.
Track Record – Blonde Snapper 26.59
St.Ledger – 710m (Perry Barr)
One of the longest standing classics, the St. Ledger brings a unique test for any greyhound. Tactical speed, staying power and just the will to win. This is what you will need to survive the test that comes with the St. Ledger. Only the best will see out this 710m slog.
As you would expect with a classic the prize money is a mouthwatering £25,000 for the winner.
Track Record – Farloe Tango 41.40
Oaks – 480m (Swindon)
The Oaks classic is standalone for the bitches in training. Any winner or runner up of the Oaks value skyrockets at the end of their career in regard to breathing. Therefore, it is held as one of the most prestige’s races on the calendar.
Top Irish Races
Ladbroke Easter Cup – 550m (Shelbourne)
First run in 1928 the Easter Cup has become a fan favourite over the years. Won by some greats like back to back winner Spanish Battleship way back in 1954 and 1955 and track record holder Premier Fantasy this will forever be one of the highlights of the year.
Track Record- Premier Fantasy 28.08
Kirby Memorial Stakes – 525m (Limerick)
The Kirby Memorial Stakes boasts a record €80,000 to the winner in 2014 making the competition one of the biggest prizes in greyhound racing and the richest puppy race (15-24 months old) in the world. Sponsored by top horse racingowner J. P. McManus, who had close ties with the old Limerick Markets Field Greyhound Stadium this will always be one of the races looked at by trainers went setting out the seasons plan for their top pup.
Track Record – Catunda Harry 27.99
Irish Oaks – 525m (Shelbourne)
The Oaks is the most prestigious race for any bitch in training. Held every year at Clonmel the Oaks is a race that always delivers in quality and drama. Recently won the by some of the best Ireland has to offer, this year’s renewal has everything in the pipeline to be one of the greats.
Track Record – Paradise Madison 27.67
Dundalk International – 550m (Dundalk)
The Dundalk International is held in the only dual-purpose track in Ireland and the UK, where it can host horse racing and greyhound racing on the same night. The International has always attracted a high quality of greyhounds and as recently as 2018 the track record was one again by the victor Droopys Verve.
Track Record – Droopys Verve 29.39
Irish Laurels – 525m (Curraheen Park)
The Irish Laurel is a prestigious event targeted by many of Ireland’s leading greyhounds and is an integral part of the Irish greyhound racing calendar.
Clonbrien Hero owned by Ms Kay Murphy of Athlacca, Co. Limerick set a new record for the final of The Laurels when he won by three lengths in a time of 28.10 in 2017.
Track Record – Curious Boy 27.85
Champions Stake – 550 (Shelbourne)
Since its inaugural running in 1979, the Champions Stakes has cemented its place as one of the most prestigious races of the year. As of its high standards you are assured to have a fast, exciting a close race each year.
We have recently seen Jaytee Yankee win back to back Champions Stakes in the exact winning time of 29.58 in 2017 and 2018, could we see him come back and win for the third year in a row?
Track Record – Tyrur Van Gaal 29.10
Irish Puppy Derby – 550 (Shelbourne)
The Irish Puppy Derby is arguably one of the most prestigious races run in the calendar year. The dream of winning the Derby starts as soon as the perfectly bread pup is born.
It’s wise to take notice and not get sucked in by the favourite on the day as only one favourite in the last 10 years has obliged.
Track Record – Tyrur Van Gaal 29.10
Betting Platform
Greyhound Betting Exchanges
Now, you can bypass traditional bookmakers and choose betting exchanges instead, where you can play against other gamblers. These exchanges match you with opponents who prefer to back outcomes of greyhound races that differ from their predictions.
Greyhound Sportsbook
Traditional sportsbooks have no end of options when it comes to greyhound races. Our reviewed sportsbooks are all well in touch with the greyhound racing world and provide you with all the right betting markets that you come to expect when betting with a trusted sportsbook.
Greyhound Spread Betting
Whether you buy a Greyhound to run a blinder or sell thinking they’ll be behind the pace, a Greyhound spread bet is the best way to raise those excitement levels.
There are many different types of wagers you can make on Greyhound races. This is both a good and a bad thing. It is great because there are so many different options so you are able to strategically choose whatever option you feel comfortable with. The bad part about having so many options is that if you are new to betting, especially in this sport, all the different types of bets can be confusing. We are going to go over a few of the popular Spread Betting options to help you choose.
- JOCKEY INDEX
The Jockey Index is a great betting option, especially for beginners. It is a very simple and easy-to-understand concept but can also be very lucrative if you play your cards right. First, you take a look at the Spread that the betting company has laid out. After that, you look at a few particular Jockeys and bet on them either doing better or worse than the Spread predicts. Your winnings or losses will be based on the difference between the spread and how well the Jockey does. Pretty simple right.
- WINNING DISTANCES
Winning distances is another very popular way to Spread bet on Greyhound racing. The idea itself is simple but it may be tougher for those new to dog racing to estimate what the distance will be since they are not very accustomed to the sport. The idea is very simple. You bet on the distance that there will be in between the winning dog and the second place dog.
As you can see there are some great reasons to place Spread Bets when you go out to the Dog Tracks. Just make sure to start with small wagers in the beginning so you can learn the lay of the sport.
Greyhound Betting Offers
The overall volume of bonuses for greyhound races is pretty limited, at least compared to other sports available at UK bookmakers. However, if you keep your eyes on the promotions page of your preferred greyhound bookies, you might find a couple of enticing greyhound promos.
Welcome Bonuses
All bookmakers offering odds for greyhound betting will have a hefty sign-up offer in store for you. While these offers are not specifically designed for greyhound punters, the free cash you get from them can be used on greyhound betting. Note that the size and quality of these offers vary between different bookmakers. Also, all sign-up offers come with a set of terms and conditions — make sure to check them out before registering.
Best Odds Guaranteed
With best odds guaranteed promotion, the bookie pays out at the best odds price. So, if the starting price was higher than the price you took on a selection, then the betting site will pay you out at a higher price. Most bookmakers advertise these offers, so it would be worthwhile to check in with several betting sites to see which promotion is the most profitable.
Free Bets
Free bets promotions are common in all UK greyhound bookmakers. Instead of granting you bonus money, the operator will allow you to use free bets for greyhound betting. That way, you won’t be spending any of your own cash, and if you get your predictions right, you can withdraw the winnings. Note that you would have to meet the T&C of the free bets bonus, namely the wagering requirements.
Live Greyhound Betting
You thought that live betting is exclusive to traditional sports only? Guess again. It’s nowadays possible to place live bets on greyhound races, with the odds fluctuating in real-time to reflect the action on the greyhound course. Some bookies will even provide live streaming for the major greyhound events, allowing you to tune in and watch as the action unfolds.
Another great thing about live greyhound betting is that you don’t have to be anywhere near your PC to do it! Just about every mobile device or a tablet will allow you to watch the action and place greyhound bets even when you’re far away from home.
Virtual Greyhound Racing
Another exciting thing to check out is the virtual greyhound racing. In the virtual form of greyhound betting, you can always find an available race, regardless of the time of day. And with all the tech advances that have made virtual betting more immersive than ever before, you might not even notice that you’re not watching the real thing.
The most straightforward strategy with virtual greyhound betting is to back the favourite. Of course, this won’t work all the time, and the odds are probably going to be lower than you would prefer. But looking at it long-term, you might be able to net some hefty profits.
Greyhound Betting App
If you truly want to take your greyhound betting experience to the next level, then make sure to get your hands on a quality greyhound betting app. If you do so, you can place greyhound bets, whenever you want, wherever you are.
Leading UK bookies offer greyhound betting apps accessible across a wide range of mobile phones, including iOS and Android-powered ones. You can watch streams and place all the bets that you normally would if you were betting on a desktop device. It genuinely is an enjoyable experience.
Greyhound Betting Tips and Strategy
Although there is no sure proof strategy that would guarantee you desired profits in greyhound betting, there are a few tips that might increase your chances of winning. As in other sports activities, the outcome of greyhound races depends on various factors. And so if you want to have a better chance of making an accurate prediction, you need to get a better understanding of running styles, conditions, racing tracks, and other relevant components that may impact the race.
Below, we’ve shared some tips that could help you get over the hump and win big. Feel free to check them out.
Conditions Are Significant
Track conditions are vital in greyhound racing, so the first thing you should be checking out is how the contenders have been performing under certain conditions for the past several races. Wet tracks favour frontrunners more, but they can work to the advantage of wide runners as well. Consequently, inside runners are likely to perform better during winter, when the tracks are frozen.
Avoid Unlucky Losers
The odds for dogs who have suffered an ‘unlucky defeat’ can be annoyingly low at times. In certain races, a dog gets off to a great start, only to be squeezed out at the third bend. The point here is that pacey dogs are often underpriced at the following race because the punters have seen the uncomfortable loss. As a result, the bookies will try to ‘protect’ themselves in the next couple of races. Typically, it’s much more lucrative to avoid unlucky losers.
Choose a Younger Pup Over the Veterans
You should always bet on younger dogs, rather than old-timers that have hundreds of races under their belt. Inexperienced runners are still improving, learning how to trap better and run the bends more smoothly. Younger pups tend to have more pace and verve than their older competitors.
Try to Visualize the Race
Race-reading is an essential skill in greyhound betting, one that requires tremendous experience and hours of watching the races and taking notes. Some races are often decided in the first 20 meters, so the key is to recognize which dog will have a great start.
Certain tracks feature last-bend changes, with the frontrunners pacing often cancelling each other out. If you want to be an informed punter who knows how to find value bets, you need to gain an understanding of the dogs’ preferred run styles and make your bets accordingly.
Needless to say, this is easier said than done. But in the long term, luck plays a minor role and skill gets vindicated.
Most Popular Greyhound Markets
Win and Each Way
The most popular market used by everyday punters is the win and each way market. Whether you like the name of the dog or the trap that he/she is in then simply back that dog to win, or if you want to back it each way to finish in the top 3. If you pick does not win but finishes in the top 3 then you will get paid out on the each way part of your bet which is usually ¼ of the odds depending on who you are betting with.
Trap Challenge
The market involves predicting which trap number will provide the most winners at a meeting. E.g back any trap and if your trap has the most winners over the card then you will get paid out. This is a nice way to be involved in the whole card with little risk.
Odds and Even
Similar to the trap challenge this gives you the option of choosing odd traps (1,3,5) or even traps (2,4,6) and which every trap has the most combined winners over the meeting then you will be paid out as a winner. Unlike the single trap challenge, you can expect to get off of around 5/4 or less.
Forecast Bet
Yet another straightforward but potentially lucrative type of bet in greyhound betting is the forecast bet. With this market, you have to predict both the winner and the runner-up. The reverse forecast bet allows you to trade places with the winner and the runner-up, therefore doubling your winning chances.
Trifecta Bet
The concept behind the trifecta bet is similar to forecast, but with trifecta, you also have to predict the third-place winner. Naturally, the odds for this type of wager are significantly higher, making it a potential gold mine if all the stars align.
Quinella Bet
Quinella bet is a betting market where you have to predict the top two selections but in any order. So, the dog that you anticipated to win the race can come up runner-up, and the runner-up can win the race. Either way, you’d still rake in a considerable profit.
Pick 3 Bets
As the name suggests, with this bet type you have to predict the winner of three or six consecutive races, respectively. The payoff for this market is massive, but the chances of accurately predicting six races are almost impossible. This makes Pick 3 one of the riskiest, yet rewarding bet types.
Pick 6 Bets
If you think that it’s impossible to predict the winners of three consecutive races, don’t even consider trying out the Pick 6 bet. With Pick 6, you have to predict the winners of six races. Yes, you’ve heard it right. It sounds like science fiction, and it probably is. But if you have Lady Luck on your side and you somehow do it, you would be looking at a mind-numbing profit.
Conclusion
Greyhound betting is straightforward, however, you can’t rely on pure luck if you want to make some profits out of it. Hopefully, our guide has shown you how to get started in greyhound betting sites as well as how to make informed bets and find value in greyhound racing.
Be it a win bet, trap challenge or odd and even, the betting experts at BetOpin have sources all the best exchanges, sportsbooks, spread betting and tips that will have everything you need to make your betting experience great again.
FAQ
Can I make money on greyhound betting?
Absolutely! With an appropriate strategy, you can make lots of cash on greyhound betting. To make desired profits in this sport, you’ll need a lot of luck, but with a proper strategy in place, you can improve your odds of winnings.
What are the most significant greyhound events?
The most prestigious events around the globe are the Scottish Greyhound Derby, Melbourne Cup, English Greyhound Derby, Select Stakes, Irish Greyhound Derby, Sandown Cup, East Anglian Cup, Association Cup, and so forth.
How often can I bet on these races?
Top-tier races take place annually, which means that you can find exciting races nearly every week. UK bookies have superb coverage of these events, so you’ll be bound to find a plethora of markets for all the first-class greyhound competitions in these sites.
How to place greyhound bets?
It’s easy as pie. First, you have to find the bookmaker that has the best greyhound betting offering. Then, create an account, make your deposits, and find the Greyhound betting section. From there on, you only have to make bets.
Is there an alternative to greyhound racing?
If animal sports racing is your cup of tea, make sure to check out pigeon racing and horse racing. The latter can be found at every sports betting site, while pigeon racing is a niche-sport available at a handful of UK bookies.
Is greyhound betting legal in the UK?
Greyhound betting is considered cruel by animal activists, which is why it’s illegal to place greyhound bets in certain countries. The UK is not one of them, meaning that you can legally place bets on all the top greyhound events.
