How to bet on greyhounds - beginner’s guide
Table of contents
Greyhound racing has a history dating back over a hundred years. Having developed considerably since that point, finding a way in as a newcomer can seem a little intimidating. Follow this guide, and we’ll show you how to get started with this popular sports betting niche.
The basics of greyhound betting
There are different ways to bet on greyhound racing, but they all follow a similar set of core rules. Firstly, the greyhounds all race around a track as they chase a lure. In practical terms, this makes greyhound racing similar to horse racing. The big difference is that greyhounds race without a rider and instead, rely on a target to follow.
The target that the greyhounds chase is usually a windsock, which is attached to a rail in the centre of the track. This flutters as it is given speed, so it's easy for both the dogs and the spectators to keep an eye on.
The total number of greyhounds in a race will depend on the style of race, which is often dictated by location. Races in the UK usually have no more than six dogs in a race and typically feature eight races in total. Race tracks here are in the 230–1,200 yard range (210–1,100 metres). The surface of UK racetracks typically consists of sand.
In the United States, there are up to eight dogs in each race, with up to 11 races held in a night. The length of these tracks is typically around 5/16 or 3/8 of a mile (0.5 kilometres and 0.6 kilometres respectively). Tracks in the US are usually made of some combination of sand and loam.
Greyhounds are a tall and slim breed, highly muscular for their frames. As the fastest of all dogs, the greyhound can reach average speeds exceeding 40mph (64kph), or peak speeds of 43mph (70kph). Gentle and intelligent, greyhounds are also known to be great pets, which they often become after retiring from professional racing.
Racing Specifics
Before the beginning of a race, each dog is placed within an individual stall in the starting box, called a trap. These are assigned randomly, so no favouritism or advantages can be assigned intentionally. The colours of each box are different, and each dog wears its box's corresponding colour so they’re easily tracked by the punters.
Once the race begins, the boxes open, and the dog’s training drives them all to leave and chase the lure. This training also ensures the dogs will keep running, even if the lure is out of sight. Once the race is complete, the lure will slow, which informs the dogs to relax their pace and slow to a stop.
The types of races and the supported dogs can be separated into grades and race types. Race types can take a little learning. Here, each is assigned a letter code which corresponds to a specific race type. The following chart covers what these letters are, and what they mean:
Assigned letter codes
A - Middle Distance/Standard
The most common type of race, held between 380 – 500 metres.
B - Middle Distance
Same as A races, except on non-standard courses where the distance can be slightly outside of the norm.
D - Sprint
Shorter but faster race. Held over 200 – 350 metres. This usually takes two of a track’s corners.
H - Hurdle
A hurdle race features small hurdles the dogs need to leap over.
HP/Hcp - Handicap
A race with dogs of mixed classes. In this race, the gates aren’t opened simultaneously, so the slower dogs have a better chance.
M - Marathon
The longest race in greyhounds racing, going around 800 – 1000m.
N - Novice
Races designed for dogs without experience
OR - Open Race
The highest-class races which take well-performing dogs from many other events
P - Puppy
Races where dogs must be between 15-24 months old
S - Stayers
Races performed over 600—700 metres.
Grades are organised by race letters and numbers to ensure that all greyhounds in a race are as close in ability as possible. The fastest of these dogs in a Stayer race would be graded A1, whereas slower dogs will be put into A2, A3, and so on, down to the lowest grade of A11.
Special grades can also be applied to dogs which qualify for the big special events and championships, such as the grade OR1 applying to those that qualify for the English Derby.
Types of greyhound racing bets
Now you know how the races work, it’s time to look at the bets. The type of bets available will usually depend on the sportsbook and race, but if you know the options below, you’ll be all set to go! Just remember that the odds will change depending on the dogs, and their performance in the prior races.
Bet on the Winner: This is the simplest bet in which you try to predict the greyhound that ends up in the winning position.
Straight Forecast: A bet where you try to predict both the first and second-place dogs, in the exact order.
Reverse Forecast: In this bet, you try to predict the first and second-place dogs. In a reverse forecast, it doesn't matter the order in which these two finish.
Combination Forecast: For a combination forecast you’re still betting on the two first-placed dogs, but you’re able to choose more than just two dogs to bet on.
Straight Tricast: A straight tricast is when you bet on the placement of the first three dogs in the exact order.
Combination Tricast: This bet has you bet on the first three positioned dogs, but they can finish in any order.
Trap Challenge: This bet lets you select a certain trap (the starting box the dogs are placed in) which you feel will be the most successful in several races.
Tips for how to bet on dog racing
Greyhound racing is designed to keep everything as close and exciting as possible, but that doesn’t mean the outcome is random. Savvy players can often predict the outcome, but performing at your best means understanding a few tricks and good practices. None of these will be fool-proof, but for those looking to maximise their chances, keep the following in mind:
Understand the dogs
Like any professional sports team before a match, the condition and history of the dogs are going to be huge components of their performance. To understand where the odds stand, you'll need to consider a whole host of aspects just as weight, past performance, time since last performance, and starting position. Speaking of…
Trap position counts
While traps are assigned randomly to avoid advantages, box one on the inside of the track statistically has the most winners. This is because the track is shortest around the inside. That said, a good dog or a good start can still easily overcome this advantage, so be aware!
Weather and track conditions
Just like Nadal dominates on clay, some dogs are better in certain conditions than others. If a dog has a poor history of one type of condition, then it’s more likely that this pattern will continue.
Watch your bankroll
Being a good bettor means knowing how much you have to work with, and never overstepping your bounds. Decide how much you’re okay to spend before you start, and stick to this no matter how great an opportunity might seem.
Also, remember that there are many helpful services available for those who struggle with responsible betting. Services like Gamcare are free and are always willing to listen when you need them.
What are the big greyhound races of the year
Like every major form of competition, there are major championships where the best dogs compete, and the most money changes hands. Each year there are several world-famous events, each of which is open to international bets and television attention.
English Greyhound Derby
Arguably the most popular greyhound race in the world. Originating in 1927, the modern English Greyhound Derby is run over 500 meters. Held in Towcester, this race changed location from its former Wimbledon site, which also extended the track length an additional 20 meters. Prizes for the winning dog can go up to £175,00.
The Melbourne Cup
While the English Greyhound Derby is likely the most popular, Australia's Melbourne Cup is undoubtedly the biggest race in the world. Not to be confused with the horse race of the same name, this competition focuses entirely on Greyhounds. With prizes up to Australian $600,000 on the line, this event brings huge audiences.
Irish Greyhound Derby
Held at Shelbourne Park in Dublin, the Irish Greyhound Derby is Ireland's premier greyhound race. With origins dating back to 1928, this competition is second only to the English Greyhound Derby in the UK in terms of popularity.
Sandown Cup
Focussing on staying races, this race started under the name of the Wollamai Cup in 1964. Taking place over three weeks, the first prize at this event has been worth $250,000. Home to some of the best national and international competitions, this is not an event that dedicated greyhound enthusiasts can miss.
How to bet on greyhounds at LeoVegas
To place a bet on Greyhounds at LeoVegas you first need to create an account or log in to the account you already have. Once this is complete, navigate to the LeoVegas sportsbook and select the greyhound section.
This section will feature a list of current and upcoming races, as well as their odds. Since our partnership with SIS, you can even watch the races live on our website, to simplify the process and give you exactly what you want right on demand.
To place a bet, first select the time of the race by using the bar at the top of the screen to choose between Next Races, Today, Tomorrow, or Future Races. Once selected, you can further narrow down your selection by selecting a currently available location to bet in.
On the main section of the game screen you’ll find the different starting times. Select a starting time, and you’ll see a list of the different dogs. Selecting a dog will allow you to customise your greyhound betting type and amount. Confirm your selection once complete, and you’re all ready to go.
You might also like our How to bet on horse racing guide as well.
Summary
Just passing its centennial, greyhound racing has easily stood the test of time. With thrills, a welcoming betting structure, and depth that can be learned but never mastered, there's no end to what this form of racing can offer. We're also happy to be a part of that at LeoVegas, and invite you to take part in the action.