Wagering giant Ladbrokes has recommitted its support to NSW greyhound racing by inking a 10-year exclusive sponsorship agreement with Greyhound Racing NSW.
The 10-year deal, the most significant penned in greyhound racing history, has an all-important animal welfare component alongside track signage and the sponsorship of some of the sport’s biggest races, including the world’s richest event, the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase.
In announcing the agreement, GRNSW boss Rob Macaulay said the Entain partnership was a game-changer for the sport of greyhound racing in NSW.
“I am extremely pleased to announce that the unique partnership trumps any previous commercial deals of this type by many multiples,” Macaulay said.
“This is a huge win for greyhound racing in NSW. It’s an outstanding result for our people and our dogs and came after a very competitive and thorough tender process.
“Entain, through its Ladbrokes and Neds brands, has been a magnificent and loyal contributor to NSW greyhound racing over many years and we welcome this new and innovative partnership with them for both our racing and importantly our adoption programs.”
The Ladbrokes rug racing to victory at Wentworth Park
Entain Australia CEO Dean Shannon said the 10-year agreement is another demonstration of Ladbrokes’ unwavering support of the NSW greyhound racing industry.
“Greyhound racing in NSW has never been stronger, with incredible growth and popularity – and we are thrilled to be officially painting the state red,” Shannon said.
“While we have been major and loyal supporters of greyhound racing in NSW for a long time, I am especially pleased to have worked with GRNSW on a substantial welfare component to this deal.
“And of course, I am further delighted that our new partnership will return our name to the flagship greyhound event in world racing – the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase.”
The Ladbrokes deal in NSW has come about on the back of a wildly successful resurgence being enjoyed by the industry since the well publicised troubles of 2016.
Last year, wagering on the code in NSW surpassed $3b for the first time, a staggering 26 per cent uplift from the then record $2.47b wagered the preceding year.