Victoria’s racing industry

Racing has a long and proud history in Victoria and the racing industry is significant to our state's economy and sporting culture.

Victoria has world-class racing and training facilities with the industry employing thousands of people in both metropolitan Melbourne and country Victoria. The industry remains an important economic driver for the state with race days such as the renowned Melbourne Cup Carnival and the broader Spring Racing Carnival driving tourism and boosting local businesses.

Racing in Victoria generates $4.7 billion for the Victorian economy and is directly responsible for sustaining 34,900 full time equivalent jobs. More than 121,000 people are directly employed, volunteer or participate in racing industry activities.

The Victorian Government is proud to support world-class race days and racing infrastructure across regional Victoria that helps build community engagement, supports charitable organisations, provides employment and improves the liveability of regional communities.

The Office of Racing within the Department of Justice and Community Safety is responsible for providing policy and legislative support to the Minister for Racing, delivery of the Government's racing agenda, minor licencing such as Calcutta Sweepstakes and mixed sports gatherings, licensing of race clubs and racecourses, and delivering the Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) program.

The Victorian Government, through the Office of Racing, works in partnership with Racing Victoria, Country Racing Victoria, Harness Racing Victoria and Greyhound Racing Victoria to maintain and grow a strong and vibrant racing industry.

Animal welfare is a key concern of the racing industry, and strict codes of practice are overseen by Agriculture Victoria.

Strengths

• Racing is a major economic driver for Victoria, generating more than $4.3 billion annually and supporting more than 33,800 full time equivalent jobs across the state.
• More than 121,200 people are directly employed, volunteer or participate in racing industry activities.
• Victoria plays host to the annual Spring Racing Carnival, which includes the famous Melbourne Cup.

Victorian Racing Grant Programs

The racing industry contributes $4.7 billion to the economy and helps sustain almost 35,000 jobs across Victoria. More than 121,000 Victorians are directly involved in the racing industry, with almost half of all racing participants residing in regional Victoria.

To support this important industry, the Victorian government provides assistance through two funds:

• The Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) supports the sustainability and growth of the Victorian racing industry; and
• The Major Racing Events Fund (MREF) supports racing clubs to develop or secure significant new or expanded racing events for Victoria.

Integrity

Integrity is at the core of racing and the Victorian Government is supporting the industry to strengthen its integrity standards.

The Victorian Government has introduced new laws to bolster integrity standards by providing independent oversight and a robust disciplinary framework for the industry, which includes the recent establishment of two new bodies - the Victorian Racing Tribunal and the Victorian Racing Integrity Board.