West Virginia is the last state with greyhound racing; new federal bill would end it

ByBDG Game

🐕 Greyhound Racing in the U.S.: Nearly Extinct

  • West Virginia is the only U.S. state where greyhound racing is still legal and active.
  • The state has two remaining tracks:
    1. Mardi Gras Casino and Resort – Nitro, WV
    2. Wheeling Island Hotel Casino and Racetrack – Wheeling, WV

📜 The Proposed Federal Bill

  • Bipartisan support gives the bill political momentum.
  • It would ban greyhound racing nationwide, effectively ending the sport in the U.S.
  • Cites public records showing:
    • Severe injuries: broken backs, necks, paralysis, seizures
    • Fatal outcomes, including electrocution
  • The bill emphasizes animal cruelty and safety concerns as the primary motivation.

💵 Economic Impact in West Virginia

  • Greyhound racing is state-subsidized, with millions allocated annually from casino gaming revenues to support the industry.
  • The tracks:
    • Provide jobs (directly and indirectly)
    • Are part of larger racino operations (casino + racing), generating state tax revenue
  • Opponents of the ban argue that:
    • It would harm local economies
    • Displace workers
    • Damage West Virginia’s sovereign rights to regulate gaming independently

🧠 Political and Social Context

  • Animal welfare groups like GREY2K USA and the Humane Society have long campaigned against greyhound racing.
  • Over the past two decades, 41 U.S. tracks have closed due to:
    • Public pressure
    • Lack of attendance
    • Legislative bans
  • West Virginia’s continued support has made it a focal point of the national debate.

🔮 What Happens If the Bill Passes?

Possibly expand other forms of gambling to fill the revenue gap

Greyhound racing would be permanently banned across all 50 states.

West Virginia would need to:

Decide how to repurpose or phase out racing operations

Address the economic fallout, including for dog breeders, track workers, and local economies

🏇 Declining Popularity, Ongoing Importance

🎟️ Live Racing Decline

  • Interest and attendance in live horse and greyhound racing has dropped nationwide, including in West Virginia.
  • Younger audiences are gravitating toward other forms of entertainment and gaming, such as sports betting and casinos.

💰 Economic and Fiscal Impact Remains Strong

  • Despite the decline in live attendance, racetracks remain vital revenue engines through:
    • Slot machines and video lottery terminals (BDG Game) at racinos
    • Pari-mutuel betting
  • This revenue supports state and local government services, including:
    • Public education
    • Infrastructure
    • Public safety

🧑‍🏭 Job Creation in a Challenging Market

  • Racetracks and associated gaming facilities provide hundreds of jobs in areas where employment opportunities are limited.
  • These include roles in:
    • Hospitality and food service
    • Animal care and training
    • Gaming operations and security

🔮 Looking Ahead

Potential consolidation or strategic realignment of live race offerings

The future of racing in WV may hinge on modernization:

Increased focus on racino revenue over live racing

Investments in entertainment diversification

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