Participant Registrations

What is an attendant?

An attendant is a person who is responsible for or handles a greyhound on a racetrack or at a trial. For example, someone who catches or handles greyhounds at a race meeting or a trial must be registered as an attendant. Someone who assists with caring for greyhounds kept by a family member would be required to register as an attendant if they also wish to assist with and handle the greyhounds at a race or trial.

Please note that an attendant is different to a Kennel/Track Attendant. A registered attendant is not authorised to act as a race official at a greyhound race meeting or trial.

Requirements

• Must be aged 18 years or over
• National Police History Check (Cost included in the registration fee)
• Colour passport style photograph.

How to apply

When applying for registrations, applicants must complete an online Registration Knowledge Test to confirm they have the basic knowledge to perform the role and understand their obligations as a registered participant.

If you are applying for an Attendant, Owner Trainer, Public Trainer or Breeder registration, please complete the following steps:

Apply online here.

What is an owner trainer?

An owner trainer educates, exercises, and prepares a greyhound that they own or part-own for racing or trialling.

Requirements

• Must be aged 18 years or over
• National Police History Check (Cost included in the registration fee)
• Colour passport style photograph.
• Kennel inspection

Head to the GWIC Code of Practice page to find out more about the requirements for kennels.

Prior to constructing kennels, applicants should consult with their local council in relation to any requirements for the keeping of greyhounds or construction of kennels in their local council area.

How long will the application take to process?

Upon receiving your completed registration application, it may take up to 8 weeks to process as a kennel inspection is required. Please note that applications submitted by post may be significantly delayed.

How to apply

When applying for registrations, applicants must complete an online Registration Knowledge Test to confirm they have the basic knowledge to perform the role and understand their obligations as a registered participant.

If you are applying for an Attendant, Owner Trainer, Public Trainer or Breeder registration, please complete the following steps:

1. Read the Being a Greyhound Trainer Handbook. (PDF, 9.25 MB)

2. Start your application for a registration on the portal

3. The Registration Knowledge Test will be part of the application for registration

4. Once completed, submit your application

Apply online here.

What is a public trainer?

A public trainer educates, exercises, and prepares a greyhound for racing or trialling. A public trainer may train a greyhound or greyhounds owned by others.

Requirements

• Must be aged 18 years or over
• National Police History Check (Cost included in the registration fee)
• Must be an owner trainer for at least 12 months before applying for registration as a public trainer
• Colour passport style photograph.
• Kennel inspection

Head to the GWIC Code of Practice page to find out more about the requirements for kennels.

Prior to constructing kennels, applicants should consult with their local council in relation to any requirements for the keeping of greyhounds or construction of kennels in their local council area.

New requirements from 1 July 2021

From 1 July 2021, in addition to the requirements above participants will also be required to have had a minimum of 20 starters during the preceding 12 months, and have completed the Public Trainer Registration Knowledge Test. If a trainer can demonstrate that it was not possible to attain 20 greyhound starts in the preceding 12 months (due to race cancellations, for example), the Commission may consider an exemption from this requirement.

How long will the application take to process?

Upon receiving your completed registration application, it may take up to 8 weeks to process as a kennel inspection is required. Please note that applications submitted by post may be significantly delayed.

How to apply

When applying for registrations, applicants must complete an online Registration Knowledge Test to confirm they have the basic knowledge to perform the role and understand their obligations as a registered participant.

If you are applying for an Attendant, Owner Trainer, Public Trainer or Breeder registration, please complete the following steps:

1. Read the Being a Greyhound Trainer Handbook. (PDF, 9.25 MB)

2. Start your application for a registration on the portal

3. The Registration Knowledge Test will be part of the application for registration

4. Once completed, submit your application

Apply online here.

What is a breeder?

From 1 July 2023, the Commission has introduced two types of breeder registration – a Breeder-Owner and a Breeder-Whelper.

Requirements

• Must be aged 18 years or over
• National Police History Check (Cost included in the registration fee)
• Colour passport style photograph.
• Kennel inspection

Prior to constructing kennels, applicants should consult with their local council in relation to any requirements for the keeping of greyhounds or construction of kennels in their local council area.

How long will the application take to process?

Upon receiving your completed registration application, it may take up to 8 weeks to process as a kennel inspection is required.

How to apply

When applying for registrations, applicants must complete an online Registration Knowledge Test to confirm they have the basic knowledge to perform the role and understand their obligations as a registered participant.

If you are applying for an Attendant, Owner Trainer, Public Trainer or Breeder registration, please complete the following steps:

1. Read the Being a Breeder - Owner Handbook (PDF, 3.83 MB)

2. Start your application for a registration on the portal

3. The Registration Knowledge Test will be part of the application for registration

4. Once completed, submit your application

Apply online here.

What is a breeder - whelper?

From 1 July 2023, the Commission has introduced two types of breeder registration – a Breeder-Owner and a Breeder-Whelper.

Requirements

• Must be aged 18 years or over
• National Police History Check (Cost included in the registration fee)
• Colour passport style photograph.
• Kennel inspection

Head to the GWIC Code of Practice page to find out more about the requirements for kennels.

Prior to constructing kennels, applicants should consult with their local council in relation to any requirements for the keeping of greyhounds or construction of kennels in their local council area.

How long will the application take to process?

Upon receiving your completed registration application, it may take up to 8 weeks to process as a kennel inspection is required.

How to apply

When applying for registrations, applicants must complete an online Registration Knowledge Test to confirm they have the basic knowledge to perform the role and understand their obligations as a registered participant.

If you are applying for an Attendant, Owner Trainer, Public Trainer or Breeder registration, please complete the following steps:

1. Read the Being a Breeder - Whelper Handbook

   Download Breeder-Whelper Handbook download
   PDF 5.51 MB

2. Start your application for a registration on the portal

3. The Registration Knowledge Test will be part of the application for registration

4. Once completed, submit your application

Apply online here.

What is a bookmaker?

A bookmaker takes bets, calculates odds and pays out winnings on a greyhound race.

In order to attend greyhound race meetings in NSW or provide electronic and telephone betting from an approved premises, a greyhound bookmaker must be registered with the Commission. Either an individual or a proprietary company may apply for registration as a bookmaker. However, in proprietary companies that apply, each company director must be a registered bookmaker.

Requirements

In order to apply for registration as a bookmaker you must be aged over 18 years of age and provide the following:

• Copy of your guarantee from the NSW Bookmakers Co-op
• Colour passport style photograph.

As part of your application, you must also consent to a National Police History Check (completed by the Commission on applicant's behalf. Cost of check included in the registration fee).

Additional requirements for bookmakers that provide electronic and telephone betting (offcourse bookmaker)

• Photographs of the premises from which you operate, including entry points to show security and signage to prevent public access
• Website construction in line with the conditions specified by the Minister for Customer Service under section 16(5) of the Betting and Racing Act 1998

*Please note – if you wish to be approved for electronic and telephone betting, GWIC will forward your bookmaker application to Liquor & Gaming NSW for review and approval. Staff from Liquor & Gaming NSW may contact you to discuss that approval process.

Additional requirements for company bookmakers:

• Names of each director and anyone else involved in the management of the company
• Names of employees and close associates
• List of shareholders who are not directors. Shareholders who are not directors must be a family member of a director
• Estimated turnover.

How long will the application take to process?

Upon receiving your complete application, we aim to process it within four weeks. Please note that applications submitted by post may be significantly delayed.

What do I need to do to register as a bookmaker?

To register as a bookmaker, you must do the following:

1. Obtain a guarantee from the NSW Bookmakers Co-op
2. With your guarantee, complete a Bookmaker Registration application form
3. If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email / letter and an identification card
4. Contact Greyhound Racing NSW to complete the Race Field Information Use application form
5. Seek permission from the local race club to obtain a kiosk / space to provide bookmaker services

If you are seeking to provide electronic and telephone betting services (offcourse bookmaker), you must do the following:

1. Obtain a guarantee from the NSW Bookmakers Co-op
2. With your guarantee, complete a Bookmaker Registration application form
   1. If you are wishing to register a Company, also complete the Company Bookmaker application form
3. With your application, provide photographs of your premises to show security and signage to prevent public access
4. Provide details of your website for review
5. Once your application is received, the Commission will forward a copy to Liquor & Gaming NSW for approval of electronic and telephone betting services
6. GWIC will review your photographs and website and provide any feedback if changes are needed
7. If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email / letter which includes premises and website approval and an identification card
8. Liquor & Gaming NSW will advise you and the Commission when you are approved for electronic and telephone betting services
9. Contact Greyhound Racing NSW to complete the Race Field Information Use application form

How do I get a guarantee?

A person applying to the NSW Bookmakers Co-op for a guarantee must have two references from current co-op financial members and have performed as a bookmaker or bookmaker’s clerk for a minimum period of 6 months.

The required guarantee may vary, depending on the location of the services provided and the turnover of your business.

For more information and to obtain a guarantee you must contact the NSW Bookmakers Co-op on 0433 828 345.

What is Race Field Information Use?

Section 33(1) of the Betting and Racing Act 1998 provides that a “betting service provider” or prescribed person must not use any NSW race field information unless they obtain the proper approval.

The term “betting service provider” is defined in section 4(1) of this Act to include a bookmaker (being a person who carries on the business of, or who acts as, a bookmaker, bookmaker’s clerk or turf commission agent).

Contact Greyhound Racing NSW for the Race Field Information Use form.

Under the Race Field Information Use approval conditions, approval holders have several key responsibilities, including the requirement to:

(a) submit daily reports to GRNSW (if monthly turnover is above $200,000), monthly reports and an annual return to GRNSW;

(b) pay race field fees by monthly instalments; and

(c) comply with various notification and other obligations.

GRNSW will permit any GWIC-registered on-course bookmaker who operates on-course only to provide GRNSW with quarterly and annual returns only, and to continue paying fees in quarterly rather than monthly instalments.

The fee payable is calculated as– 1.6% of turnover or 15% of gross margin – whichever is greater. This fee is paid to GRNSW, and then GRNSW pays this to the relevant NSW greyhound racing club.

For more information about Race Field Information Use or the conditions of approval, please contact Greyhound Racing NSW on (02) 8324 7622

Do I need to be at a racecourse to operate as a bookmaker?

If you are only providing online bookmaker services, you can be approved by Racing NSW as a bookmaker and approved by Liquor & Gaming NSW for electronic and telephone betting.  Once approved, you must seek Race Field Information Use approval from Greyhound Racing NSW.

If you are providing oncourse bookmaker services or wish to provide tote bets, you must be at a racecourse to operate as a bookmaker.  You may operate off course, however you must have your website and office space approved by the Commission.

Under section 88 of the Totalizator Act 1997 you must be located at a racecourse if you wish to offer betting services such as Best tote, Mid tote or exotic prices, as those prices and dividends are calculated using the working of a totalizator, whether that be NSW TAB, S-TAB or U-TAB.

Apply online here.

What is a bookmaker’s clerk?

A bookmaker’s clerk is employed by a registered bookmaker, usually to assist in taking bets and paying out winnings at greyhound race meetings.

Requirements:

• Must be aged 18 years or over
• National Police History Check (completed by the Commission on applicant's behalf. Cost of check included in the registration fee)
• Colour passport style photograph.

How long will the application take to process?

Upon receiving your complete application, we aim to process it within four weeks. Please note that applications submitted by post may be significantly delayed.

Apply online here.

What is a studmaster?

A greyhound studmaster has care, control or custody of a sire. A sire is a male greyhound registered for breeding.

Requirements:

• Must be aged 18 years or over
• National Police History Check (completed by the Commission on applicants behalf. Cost of check included in the registration fee)
• Colour passport style photograph.

How long will the application take to process?

Upon receiving your complete application, we aim to process it within four weeks.

Apply online here.

What is an artificial insemination (AI) technician?

An artificial insemination technician artificially inseminates a greyhound. This includes a veterinary practitioner who artificially inseminates a greyhound.

Requirements:

• Must be aged 18 years or over
• National Police History Check (completed by the Commission on applicant's behalf)
• Colour passport style photograph.

An AI technician must be registered by Greyhounds Australasia as an AI technician. In order to register with GA, a veterinarian or another person must have completed an artificial insemination training course.

How long will the application take to process?

Upon receiving your complete application, we aim to process it within four weeks.

Apply online here.

What is a promoter?

A promoter offers an interest in a greyhound or invites applications for an interest in any greyhound, i.e. invites people to join a greyhound ownership syndicate.

Requirements:

• Must be aged 18 years or over
• National Police History Check (completed by the Commission on applicant's behalf. Cost of check included in the registration fee)
• Colour passport style photograph.
• A copy of your Australian Financial Services (AFS) Licence, or evidence of approval as an Authorised Representative of an AFS licence. Information about obtaining an AFS licence can be found on the ASIC website.

Apply online here.

What is a greyhound health assistant?

A Greyhound Health Assistant may provide the following health services to greyhounds which they own or part own, as well as greyhounds owned by other participants:

• Massage therapy
• Acupuncture
• Non-invasive injury therapy
• Chiropractic therapy.

A veterinary practitioner who provides these services to a greyhound is not required to register as a greyhound health assistant.

Requirements

• Must be aged 18 years or over
• National Police History Check (completed by the Commission on applicants behalf. Cost of check included in the registration fee)
• Colour passport style photograph
• Greyhound First Aid Certificate (contact GRNSW for more information).

How to apply

Following recommendations made by the Greyhound Industry Reform Panel, on 1 July 2021 the Commission introduced a Registration Assessment Program which introduces competency requirements as a requirement for registration.

When applying for registration applicants complete an online Registration Knowledge Test to confirm they have the basic knowledge to perform the role and understand their obligations as a registered participant.

Initially, the registration types included in the program are Attendant, Owner Trainer, Public Trainer, Breeder and Health Assistant. Over time, the Commission will introduce assessment requirements for other roles as well.

From 1 July 2021 the Registration Knowledge Tests are mandatory and the completion certificate must be included as part of the registration application process.

If you are applying for an Attendant, Owner Trainer, Public Trainer or Breeder registration, please complete the following steps:

1. Read the Being a Greyhound Health Assistant Handbook.

   Download Being a Greyhound Health Assistant handbook download
   PDF 2.99 MB
2. Complete the online Registration Knowledge Test (below).
3. Download your certificate of completion. (Providing a copy of your completion certificate is mandatory from 1 July 2021)
4. Submit your application for a registration.

Registration Knowledge Test

Click below to start the online Registration Knowledge Test

How long will the application take to process?

Upon receiving your complete application, we aim to process it within four weeks.

Apply online here.

What is a race official?

There are four registration types of a race official that performs the role at a licenced greyhound racetrack in an official capacity. You must be registered as the type that you wish to perform the approved activities for. Below are the types of race official roles and the responsibilities:

* Starter, Lure Driver and Judge registrations all require a practical assessment prior to the registration being granted. Once we receive an application for these roles, we will escalate the application to the stewarding team who will make arrangements for the practical assessment.

The registration does not allow you to:

• Own a greyhound
• Keep a greyhound
• Train or trial a greyhound
• Breed greyhounds.

Rule 104(6) of the Greyhound Racing Rules states that an official officiating in a capacity that may have an effect on the result of an event must not:

• Own, train or lease a greyhound in the event
• Adjudicate on a matter in which they are involved in personally as opposed to an official capacity
• Directly or indirectly engage in any betting transaction on that event.

Requirements

• Must be aged 18 years or over
• National Police History Check (completed by the Commission on applicant's behalf. Cost of check included in the registration fee)
• Colour passport style photograph.

How long will the application take to process?

Upon receiving your complete application, we aim to process it within four weeks.

Apply online here.

What is a trial track?

A trial track is a premises (other than a licensed racecourse) where a greyhound can compete in a trial or be trained for racing. A trial track must be owned, managed, leased or occupied by a registered trial track proprietor.

Any premises where greyhounds not owned or leased by the proprietor are trialled must be registered with the Commission in accordance with the Trial Track Policy. The purpose of the Commission's Trial Track Policy is to protect the welfare and safety of greyhounds at trial tracks.

View or download the Trial Track Policy below

Unless otherwise specified by the Commission, a trial track will be registered for three years.

Requirements:

To register a trial track with the Commission, applicants must:

• Be registered as a trial track proprietor
• Have adequate and current public liability insurance for the premises
• Have an agreement with a local veterinarian who is able to provide treatment to greyhounds that are injured at the premise. A veterinary services agreement template can be found below
• Have the premises inspected by the Commission’s compliance team.

Record-keeping

It is a requirement of the Trial Track Policy that a trial track proprietor is to keep records of:

• every participant who uses the track including the participant’s name, the participant’s registration number, the date on which the participant attended the trial track, and the number of greyhounds that the participant trialled at the track.
• Any injury sustained by a greyhound at the track including, the name of the greyhound (if named), the greyhound’s ear brand, the name and registration number of the greyhound’s owner and/or trainer and the nature of the injury.
• details of veterinarian who is available to treat any greyhounds that may be injured to be displayed at the track.

These records are to be made available to the Commission upon request.

To assist trial track proprietors with meeting these requirements, the Commission has developed a number of templates. These templates can be downloaded below:

If you have any questions about the Trial Track Policy, please contact the Commission on 13 49 42.

Apply online here.

What is a trial track proprietor?

A trial track proprietor owns, leases, occupies or manages a trial track where greyhounds not owned or leased by the proprietor are trialled.

A trial track proprietor doesn't necessarily own the track of which they are the registered proprietor. For example, a person who manages a trial track that is owned by a greyhound racing club or another organisation is required to register as a trial track proprietor.

Requirements:

• Must be aged 18 years or over
• National Police History Check (completed by the Commission on applicant’s behalf. Cost of check is included in the registration fee)
• Colour passport style photograph.

How long will the application take to process?

Upon receiving your completed registration application, it may take up to 8 weeks to process if a kennel inspection is required. Please note that applications submitted by post may be significantly delayed.

Apply online here

Participants involved in the group ownership of a greyhound are required under the Greyhound Syndicates Policy to register either a Private or a Public Syndicate with GWIC.

A Private Syndicate refers to a syndicate of at least two people that is formed for the purpose of owning a greyhound. Members of a private syndicate must know each other before forming a syndicate. A private syndicate may have up to 30 members.

A Public Syndicate is a syndicate formed for the purpose of owning greyhounds but is formed through a public offer that is open to anyone.

All syndicates must have a Syndicate Manager and this person must be registered as a GWIC participant.

Promoters of Public Syndicates are required to register with GWIC, as per the Regulation. Information on how to apply for a promoter’s registration can be found in the promoter's tab.

Greyhound Syndicates Policy

The Greyhound Syndicates Policy formally sets out the registration requirements for syndicates and promoters. The policy introduces Public and Private Syndicates and phases out Partnerships. Syndicates must be registered with GWIC. Find the Greyhound Syndicates policy below

For any more information on syndicates please refer to the resources below

What is a junior attendant permit?

A junior attendant permit allows a 12- or 13-year-old person to catch greyhounds following trials at a registered greyhound track. Junior attendants must be directly supervised by an adult who holds a current registration with the Commission.

Participant registration fees are outlined below, with the option to pay for 1 or 3 years.

For new applicants, the fee is subject to a pro-rata calculation. This means that a participant only pays for the number of days from the date their application is approved until their birthday in 1 or 3 years time. At that time, they will be required to renew their registration.

Participants can use the Registration Fee Calculator below to determine their adjusted registration fees. The fees are calculated by dividing the new application fee, by 365 days, then multiplying that amount by the number of days until the participant's birthday. Please note, this fee is approximate and may be different as it is dependent on when the application is approved.

GWIC registration fees include a fee to cover a National Police Check.

GWIC transactions can be paid for using a credit or debit card. Online transactions can also be paid for using PayID, PayPal and BPay.

A NSW Government surcharge will be applied to all online transactions made using a credit or debit card, PayPal or PayID. BPay and cheque payments do not have a surcharge.

Surcharges are including GST and in-line with RBA's surcharging mandate, reviewed yearly.