Betting Restrictions in Greyhound Racing: Protecting Integrity and Public Confidence
28 November 2025
Greyhound racing depends on fairness, transparency, and public confidence. To protect that trust, strict rules govern who within the industry can and cannot bet on greyhound races. These rules are designed not only to prevent corruption or conflicts of interest but to ensure the sport is seen to be conducted at the highest possible standard of integrity.
Who Cannot Bet
Under the national Greyhounds Australasia Rules (GAR), some industry participants are expressly prohibited from betting on greyhound races because their roles or relationships give them access to sensitive information or the ability to affect race outcomes.
- Officials and Stewards:
Rule GAR 75 outlines clear restrictions. Any person officiating in a role that could influence the result of an event must not engage in any betting transaction on that event. They are also prohibited from providing any information not publicly available.
In addition, Stewards are subject to even higher standards. They must not directly or indirectly bet on any greyhound meeting whatsoever. Under QRIC’s internal policy, this ban extends to betting on any racing, in any code, anywhere in the world.
- Trainers, Owners, and Handlers (Lay Betting):
Rule GAR 166 deals with “lay betting,” which means betting on a greyhound to lose, not to finish in a specified position or to be beaten by any margin or range of margins, or to be beaten by any other greyhound in the event. Any person directly involved in the nomination, training, or care of a greyhound, or who has provided a service connected to it within 21 days before a race, is strictly prohibited from laying that greyhound in any event.
It is also an offence for someone:- To arrange for another person to place a lay bet on their behalf.
- To accept any payment or benefit related to another person laying their greyhound.
- To offer an inducement to another participant to profit from a dog not performing to its best ability.
Who Can Bet
Outside these restricted groups, members of the public and participants who are not directly involved with any greyhound in a particular race may place bets in accordance with wagering legislation. These individuals must still comply with all applicable integrity and conduct standards, ensuring that their betting is fair and lawful.
Why These Rules Matter
The betting restrictions exist for two key reasons:
- Integrity of Results
Officials and participants who have direct influence over race outcomes must remain impartial. Allowing them to bet on events they can affect, or to misuse confidential information, would undermine confidence in every race result. - Perception and Public Trust
The racing industry must not only be fair but be seen to be fair. Even the appearance of a conflict of interest could damage public confidence. By prohibiting betting by those with inside access or authority, the industry demonstrates its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Upholding these standards ensures that every race is decided solely on the ability and performance of the greyhounds on the track. Betting is an integral part of the sport’s culture, but it must always occur within a framework that preserves integrity and maintains the community’s trust. To read more and find links to the Rules of Racing – Greyhound visit the Racing Queensland website www.racingqueensland.com.au/industry/greyhound/rules.