Ladbrokes Coral to pay voluntary greyhound levy on offshore turnover

Ladbrokes Coral have agreed to pay a voluntary levy to greyhound racing based on offshore greyhound betting turnover from the start of 2018.

According to the bookmaker, there are no conditions attached to the commitment and funds will be made available to the sport via the British Greyhound Racing Fund or through the appropriate funding body as advised by Lord Lipsey’s review into the sport, which is ongoing.

"We are passionate supporters of greyhound racing," said Ladbrokes Coral chief executive Jim Mullen. "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 underfunded, we do recognise it is time for the industry to move on and start to rebuild the sport."

Ladbrokes Coral own and operate four greyhound tracks and this new commitment comes on top of retail levy and what the firm says has been significant investment in welfare and infrastructure at Crayford, Hove, Monmore and Romford.

Mullen added: "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."