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Under the pari-mutuel system of betting the public does not bet against the track but rather the track acts as the agent and clearing house for the bets. The state law authorizes a definite percentage for the track operation and a tax for the state; this total percentage amounts to 15 to 20 percent, check state law; the balance of the amount bet is returned to the public.

Ticket issuing machines at most race tracks are by the American Totalisator Company. As the tickets are sold the transactions are automatically registered and the amount and number of tickets sold on each greyhound feeds into an electronic odds-computer. The odds are computed and posted on the Oddsboard automatically at regular intervals. The payoff prices are computed by calculators, audited by state officials, and then posted as official.

The ticket issuing machines are automatically locked when the post bell rings, no purchase can be made after the bell sounds. Greyhound racing tracks are usually sized at one-fourth of a mile and are oval in shape. Difference in distance from the front track to the back track is normally the reason for the difference between tracks of the length of the stretch. All tracks do not use the same diameter circle for the ends of the oval. Another marked variation is the width of the running lane which is from 17 to 30 feet; a 22-foot width is the one most used.

The track layout above is a graphic illustration of greyhound racing tracks in general. The quarter mile oval track works best for the length races generally used which are 5/16 mile, 3/8 mile and7/16 mile or slight variations from these lengths. Starting boxes can be placed permanently, as illustrated, for the different distances and using one finish line. Races as follows:

For 5/16 mile race Starting box to finish line is 1/16 mile plus one round of 1/4 mile equals the 5/16 mile race.

For 3/8 mile race Starting box to finish line is 1/8 mile plus one round of 1/4 mile equals the 3/8 mile race.

For 7/16 mile race Starting box to finish line is 3/16 mile plus one round of 1/4 mile equals the 7/16 mile race.

In every race the greyhounds go past the finish line in the first part of the race and then make one complete quarter mile run back to the finish line. The exception to this would be a 3/16 mile race which would start from the 7/16 starting box and come around the track to the finish line.

The majority of the tracks use an inside lure, that is, the mechanical rabbit travels the oval of the infield of the track. The lure starts and stops at the place marked "R" on the track layout above. It is electrically operated and can move at variable speeds. As it is mounted on a wheeled carriage and runs on a track, it is not silent. The greyhounds can hear the approach of the lure as it travels toward the starting box which they occupy. They are ready for the chase when the doors of the starting box open.

The announcer at the track usually has a pet name for the lure such as "Here comes the Bunny" or "Speedy" and one that is used is "Squeaky."

The two points marked "C-1" and "C-2" on the track illustration are the locations of the curtains that are drawn across the track, confining the greyhounds at the end of the race. Curtain C-1 is drawn across first. It is just ahead of where the lure stops behind a screen. The greyhounds come to this curtain and are stopped; when all are past curtain C-2, it is drawn, confining the greyhounds in the area of the track. Handlers then retrieve the greyhounds and take them back to the lockout kennels. Sooner or later tracks will eliminate use of confining curtains.