irish greyhound board/bord na gcon

The Irish Greyhound Board - Bord na gCon - is a commercial semi-state body which is responsible for the control and development of the greyhound industry in the Republic of Ireland. The Board was established under special legislation by the Irish government in 1958. The Greyhound Industry Act (1958) gave the Board wide powers to regulate all aspects of greyhound racing in the Republic of Ireland including the licensing of the different tracks, the issuing of permits to officials, bookmakers, trainers and the implementation of the rules of racing. The Irish Greyhound Board has licensed a total of seventeen tracks in the Republic, of which nine are owned and controlled by the Board. The remainder are owned and operated by private enterprise. There are also a further two privately owned stadia in Northern Ireland. The Board operates Tote facilities at all greyhound tracks in the Republic and applies an on-course levy on all bookmakers betting in the Republic. These levies together with gate receipts have funded the industry and allows the Board to: Supplement prize money at all levels of greyhound racing. Provide development loans and grants to greyhound tracks in order to enable them to improve their facilities. To advertise and market the industry on both a national and international level. Develop and improve greyhound stadiums nationwide.