Understanding one of the fastest and most thrilling betting sports in the world
Greyhound racing is a high-speed sport where specially trained greyhounds race around an oval track in pursuit of a mechanical lure. The sport combines speed, athleticism, and strategy, giving fans a unique blend of excitement and betting opportunities.
The Basics of Greyhound Racing
The Dogs – Greyhounds are bred for speed and agility, reaching up to 45mph in short bursts.
The Lure – A mechanical hare runs along the inside rail, encouraging the dogs to chase at full speed.
The Track – Most tracks are oval-shaped, with races typically covering distances between 250 and 550 metres (in the U.S., usually measured in yards).
The Races – Each race generally has six to eight greyhounds, each wearing a numbered and coloured jacket to identify them.
How the Sport Works
Greyhound racing is usually conducted in a series of heats, with each race lasting less than a minute. Bettors place wagers on which dog they think will win, place, or show, along with more complex bets like exactas and trifectas. Races are run on both dirt and sand surfaces, and all outcomes are decided by the official photo finish system.
Greyhound Racing in the U.S. Today
While the number of live greyhound tracks in the United States has declined, the sport is still popular through simulcasting and advance deposit wagering (ADW) platforms like MyWinners. This allows fans to bet on U.S. and international greyhound races from the comfort of home or at one of our Winners venues.
Why People Love It
Fast and Frequent – Races are quick, with minimal downtime between events.
Easy to Learn – The betting formats are straightforward, making it accessible for beginners.
Global Reach – International greyhound racing means there’s action almost every hour of the day.
Did You Know? Legendary singer Frank Sinatra was once a greyhound racing enthusiast and co-owned a champion dog named Air Patrol in the 1940s.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the aim of greyhound racing?
What is the aim of greyhound racing?
The goal is simple: the greyhounds race around the track to be the first to pass the finish line while chasing a mechanical lure.
How long does a greyhound race last?
How long does a greyhound race last?
Most races last 30–60 seconds, depending on the track and race distance.
Can I bet on greyhound racing at MyWinners.com?
Can I bet on greyhound racing at MyWinners.com?
Yes. MyWinners offers betting on both US and international greyhound races via our licensed online platform and Winners venues.
Where can I watch greyhound racing?
Where can I watch greyhound racing?
Yes, in certain states. MyWinners operates only where greyhound racing betting is permitted by law.
Where can I watch greyhound racing?
Where can I watch greyhound racing?
You can watch live greyhound racing at Winners venues or via live streaming on MyWinners.com.