For many in Australia, a day out at the dogs is a regular occurrence. While it is not for everyone, greyhound racing is a unique sport that attracts the interest of thousands of punters. Greyhound betting is available with the majority of leading Australian bookmakers. On this page, we will discuss how betting on greyhound racing works. This will include the most popular markets and betting sites, as well as our top greyhound betting tips. Let’s begin by listing our favourite greyhound betting sites.
How We Rank the Best Online Greyhound Betting Sites
Due to the popularity of greyhound betting, the number of online bookies accepting bets on the sport has grown rapidly. However, there are some greyhound betting sites that stand out from the crowd. So, just how do our experts separate the best from the rest? We consider the following factors when ranking available bookies:
Available Markets – The best greyhound betting sites cover meetings from across Australia, as well as other countries. Greyhound racing is big in the UK, as well as other regions. So, players should have a host of options when it comes to wagering on the sport. Whatever the race, punters will also ideally have a variety of markets available. Popular markets include win, each way, winning margin and tricast. When it comes to greyhound markets, Ladbrokes is one of our favourite bookies.
Additional Features – Features found at greyhound betting sites often attract punters. Today, users can live stream races from around the world, cash out bets and even place virtual greyhound bets.
Mobile Betting – Greyhound markets and features should be accessible via mobile browsers. Whether it be a smartphone or tablet, the best betting sites are easy to use and efficient. Some bookies will have also invested in developing a betting app. Betting apps are generally the preferred option for mobile customers. The app from Betstar is available on iOS and Android devices. It also makes betting on greyhounds on the go simple.
Greyhound Odds – Often overlooked, odds found at betting sites are hugely important. Prices will determine how much punters make from successful bets on greyhound races. While there is little to choose between the top bookies, even the smallest difference can be significant in terms of potential winnings.
Usability – A betting site can offer all of the markets and features available, however if it is difficult to use them it will be worth avoiding. As such, our top ranked bookies for greyhound racing betting are all easy to use. A prime example is bookmaker.com.au. Here, a modern design is made even better by effective imagery and graphics.
How To Succeed in Greyhound Betting – Strategy & Tips
As with any sport, there are no guarantees that punters will be successful when it comes to greyhound betting. However, those that are prepared to put in the time may well beat the bookies. When operating at greyhound betting sites, be sure to take on board the following tips:
Study Form – As with horse racing betting, the form books are generally a good place to start. Many runners will regularly place, while others will struggle to finish. Before backing a potential pick, look at their last 5 races. This will provide a good indication as to how they will perform.
Consider the Draw – In greyhound racing, the draw is which trap runners start in. The best trap is generally considered to be on the inside. Particularly when shorter distances are being run, this means that the dog will have to travel less than its competitors. The inside trap does not always guarantee winning however.
Which Trainer? – It will also stand you in good stead to know who the best greyhound trainers are. Of course, this also doesn’t guarantee success. However, there are some names which regularly feature in the highest positions. Meanwhile, some trainers will specialise in a particular area, whether it be youngsters or bitches.
Tipsters – Greyhound betting tips are available readily online today. While many are worth avoiding, those written by experts can be useful. Look at the track records of tipsters, as well as feedback from punters, before following their advice.
Be Responsible – Regardless of your budget and strategy, it is important to be responsible when betting on greyhound racing. This means never chasing losses and sticking to your budget at all times. Those who deviate away from this could get themselves into trouble.
Online v Offline Greyhound Betting
Some punters will prefer heading to their local track to place bets on greyhound races. However, today’s betting sites mean that the experience is just as enjoyable from home. Of course, those betting online will not get to take in the atmosphere from the track. However, online customers are perhaps more likely to back a winner. In order to help you weigh up the two options, the following are the main pros and cons of online greyhound betting:
What We Like:
Live Streaming – With many greyhound betting sites, live streaming services allow punters to feel like they are at the track. There is also no need to pay for entry when operating online, which cannot be said of your local venue.
Promotions – Whether specific to greyhound racing or more generic, betting promotions can certainly benefit punters. Free bets, price boosts and insurance offers are among the most popular betting offers delivered by online bookies.
Markets – With online bookies, it is possible to bet on greyhound races from around the world. A host of bet types are available, whether it be from an Australian, New Zealand or British-based track.
Convenience – Whether on desktop or mobile, greyhound markets can be accessed at any time and place. All that is required is an internet connection. It is therefore easy to view runners and their odds, before making a decision.
What We Don’t Like:
Withdrawals – In some cases, punters will have to wait a number of days to get their hands on winnings made. In contrast, those placing a winning bet at a greyhounds track will receive earnings immediately, in cash.
Responsible Betting – Given the ease of access, punters operating online may well bet more than they should. This can lead to difficulties, both financially and with your health. This is why all of our recommended bookies promote responsible gambling and offer support through well-known organizations.
Social – Of course, online betting provides no social interaction. This is one of the main selling points of greyhound racing.
Leading Greyhound Events & Races
Around 40,000 greyhound races take place in Australia each year. A significant number of additional races are also held abroad. However, some stand out more than others and receive more interest from bettors. The following races are worth keeping an eye out during the greyhound schedule:
Million Dollar Chase
Regarded as the world’s richest greyhound race, the Million Dollar Chase is now worth some $2million in prize money. Weeks of regional heats take place in the build up to the final, which takes place at Wentworth Park in Sydney. The overall winner receives $1 million. Entrants compete over a distance of 520m, with the race having been founded in 2018.
Melbourne Cup
Worth $600,000 in prize money, the Melbourne Cup takes place at Sandown Park. The race is the final part of the popular Superdogs Series. Run over a distance of 515m, the race dates back to 1956. Hard Style Rico was the winner in 2020.
Australian Cup
This is an annual greyhound event held at The Meadows in Victoria. Founded in 1958, the Cup is worth $300,000 in prize money. Ran on sand over 525m, Tommy Shelby was the winner in 2020, in a time of 29.86 seconds.
English Derby
Dating back to 1927, the English Greyhound Derby has been held in Nottingham since 2019. Running for six weeks between May and June, the Grand Final takes place over 500m, with the winner receiving £100,000.
Irish Derby
The Irish Derby dates back to 1932. It has been held at Shelbourne Park in Dublin since 1970. Heats for the event begin in August, before the final takes place over 500m in September. The winner earns €140,000.
New Zealand Cup
Another leading race outside of Australia is the NZ Cup. Held at Addington Park in Christchurch, the race takes place over 520m, with a prize pool of $125,000 being up for grabs. The final takes place in November annually, with the race having been launched in 2007.
Bottom Line on Greyhound Betting Australia
Whether it be a race from Broken Hill, Dapto, Richmond or outside of Australia, greyhound meetings feature at many of the leading online bookmakers. The sport is a firm favourite for many, with its speed and excitement making it perfect for betting. Our top ranked sites come with a host of markets, features and promotions. There really has never been a better time to start betting on greyhounds. So, check out our top ranked bookies, before selecting your favourite runners.
Do all Australian bookies offer betting on greyhound racing?
No. However, a large proportion of bookies do cover greyhound racing. The betting sites listed on this page are our favourites. Each comes with its own set of features and benefits.
What are the most popular greyhound derby betting markets?
Greyhound races take place on a daily basis in Australia and around the world. However, there are some events that stand out. The Million Dollar Chase, New Zealand Cup and English Derby are among the most popular.
Which greyhound betting strategies should I consider?
As we mentioned above, no strategy is guaranteed to bring about success. However, when betting on greyhounds, hedging your bets, arbitrage and finding value are among the most popular strategies.
Are greyhound racing betting live streams available?
Yes. Many of our recommended bookies offer live streaming services. Following runners makes betting on greyhounds all the more exciting. It can also give punters a better understanding as to who the leading names are.
Which additional features are available when betting on greyhound racing?
On top of live streaming, virtual greyhounds betting is another popular feature. Elsewhere, cash out and promotions are worth looking out for.
James Fuller
Betting Expert
James Fuller is a sports journalist based in Bath, England. Specializing in sports and iGaming, he has worked for a variety of leading online publications in the past, including MailOnline and Coral. James also has a degree in Sport & Leisure Management from Sheffield Hallam University.
He also has a certificate in Football Communication & Digital Media from the Sports Business Institute in Barcelona, which James has used to help brands enhace their following and reputation on online platforms. With almost a decade of experience in sports writing to his name, James has received outstanding feedback from existing and former clients.