Greyhound racing tracks have been a popular form of entertainment for decades in the United States. However, in recent years, the popularity of this sport has declined significantly due to concerns about animal welfare and the availability of other forms of entertainment.
Today, there are only 17 dog tracks remaining in the U.S. Eleven of these tracks are located in Florida, where they are set to close by December 31, 2020. The remaining three active greyhound racetracks are Caliente Greyhound Park, Gulf Greyhound, and Iowa Greyhound Park.
In addition to the tracks that are sill operational, there are also six states where dog racing is illegal. These states include Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas, Iowa, Texas, and Wisconsin. In just two states, Arkansas and West Virginia, pari-mutuel dog racing remains legal and operational. However, Arkansas is in the process of winding down its dog racing industry by December 31, 2022.
The decline of greyhound racing can be attributed to several factors. One of the main concerns is the welfare of the dogs. Many animal welfare advocates argue that greyhounds are mistreated and forced to race in harsh conditions, often resulting in injuries and even death. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of animal cruelty and neglect at greyhound racing tracks, which have further tarnished the industry’s reputation.
Another factor contributing to the decline of greyhound racing is the availability of other forms of entertainment. With the rise of online gaming and other leisure activities, many people are turning away from traditional forms of entertainment such as greyhound racing.
Despite the challenges faced by the industry, there are still many people who enjoy greyhound racing and hope to see it continue in the future. While the closure of tracks in Florida will be a significant blow to the industry, there are still a few tracks that remain operational and could potentially continue to thrive.
The future of greyhound racing in the United States remains uncertain. While concerns about animal welfare and the availability of other forms of entertainment have contributed to its decline, there are still many people who enjoy the sport and hope to see it continue in some form. Only time will tell what the future holds for this once-popular pastime.
Number of Remaining Open Greyhound Tracks
As of now, there are only 17 dog tracks that are still operational in the United States. Out of these, a majority of 11 tracks are located in Florida. However, it is important to note that all of these tracks, including the ones in Florida, are set to close down by December 31, 2020, due to a ban on dog racing.
Are There Greyhound Racing Tracks in the United States?
There are currently three active greyhound racing tracks in the United States. These tracks are:
1. Derby Lane in St. Petersburg, Florida – This track has been operating since 1925 and is one of the oldest continuously operating greyhound racing tracks in the world.
2. Gulf Greyhound Park in La Marque, Texas – This track opened in 1992 and hosts both greyhound racing and simulcast horse racing.
3. Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack in Wheeling, West Virginia – This track opened in 1976 and features greyhound racing, as well as slot machines and table games in the casino.
It is worth noting that greyhound racing has been on the decline in recent years, with many states banning the practice due to concerns about animal welfare. As of 2021, 41 states have banned or effectively banned greyhound racing.
Live Greyhound Racing Tracks
If you are interested in watching live greyhound racing, you may want to consider visiting one of the seeral tracks across the United States that offer this experience. Some of the most popular tracks with live greyhound racing include Caliente Greyhound Park, located in Tijuana, Mexico, which offers live racing from late April through October. Gulf Greyhound, located in La Marque, Texas, is another track that offers live greyhound racing throughout the year. Additionally, Iowa Greyhound Park in Dubuque, Iowa, Southland in West Memphis, Arkansas, Tri-State Greyhound in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, and Wheeling Island in Wheeling, West Virginia, are other tracks that offer live greyhound racing. Each of these tracks has its own unique atmosphere and racing schedule, so it is important to check their website or contact them directly for more information.
Which Dog Tracks Are Still Open in the United States?
As of 2021, only two states in the United States still have operational dog tracks. These states are Arkansas and West Virginia. However, it’s worth noting that Arkansas is currently in the process of winding down its dog racing industry and is set to shut down all its dog tracks by December 31, 2022.
It’s also important to mention that dog racing is illegal in several other states. The states where dog racing is illegal include Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas, Iowa, Texas, and Wisconsin.
There are only two states where dog tracks are still open in the United States, and one of those states is actively phasing out the industry. Meanwhile, several other states have banned dog racing entirely.
Conclusion
Greyhound racing tracks have experienced a significant decline in popularity and legality in the United States. Only a few tracks remain operational, with the majority located in Florida and facing closure by the end of 2020. Several states have banned dog racing altogether, while others are in the process of phasing it out. While the sport may have once been a source of entertainment for some, it is clear that public opinion and legislation have shifted away from it. As a society, it is important to consider the welfare of animals and prioritize their well-being over profit and entertainment.
