GBGB Statutory Levy Petition passes the 3,000 signature barrier- 25 February 2025

GBGB Statutory Levy Petition passes the 3,000 signature barrier

10,000 signatures required in order to force government response

Having been launched in early January as part of the GBGB Keep Welfare On Track campaign, the petition calling for all betting companies to pay a minimum percentage of turnover from Greyhound Racing towards Greyhound welfare which would replace a voluntary levy yesterday broke through the 3,000 signature stage.

That is still some way short of the initial target of 10,000 signatures, which is required in order to force the government to respond to the petition and although the 100,000 signatures required for the petition to be considered for debate In Parliament looks to be beyond reach, with a deadline of July 2nd, there is still plenty of time to sign and to spread the word amongst friends and family across social media, and that initial 10,000 signature target looks well with range. Every signature strengthens the call for long-term, reliable funding for greyhound welfare and the communities that rely on the sport.

Under the GBGB proposals, the new compulsory levy would see financial contributions from betting companies rise from 0.6 % of revenue to resemble other best-practice schemes, as seen in British Horse Racing, where the compulsory contribution is set at 10%. As part of any new levy system, a final contribution figure would be negotiated between the bookmakers and the sport.

It is believed that 95% of bookmakers involved with Greyhound Racing are paying the voluntary levy of 0.6%, but if a compulsory levy is brought in and all bookmakers had to pay even just 1-2%, this could inject several millions of pounds into the Greyhound Racing ecosystem, not just with added Prizemoney, but also with areas such as supporting the health and rehabilitation of greyhounds through essential veterinary care, expanding homing programmes to provide loving homes for retired greyhounds, Improving welfare standards across the sport and boosting local businesses and supporting jobs in communities near our tracks

If you haven’t signed the petition yet, now is the time to add your voice to this important cause. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/702202/signatures/new

After signing the petition, please confirm your signature via the email you’ll receive. Without this step, your signature won’t count – so check your inbox and junk folder to ensure it’s verified.