Greyhound racing is a sport that involves the racing of specially bred dogs called greyhounds. The greyhounds compete against each other in a race on a track, with the winner being the dog that finishes the race in the shortest amount of time. Greyhound racing has been around since the 19th century, but it has declined in popularity in recent years due to animal welfare concerns and the closure of many tracks.
History of Greyhound Racing in the United States
Greyhound racing was first introduced to the United States in the late 1800s, with the first official greyhound race taking place in Emeryville, California in 1919. The sport quickly gained popularity throughout the country and by the mid-1930s, there were over 30 tracks in operation.
Decline of Greyhound Racing in the United States
The popularity of greyhound racing began to decline in the 1980s as public opinion began to shift against the sport due to animal welfare concerns. In addition, the rise of alternative forms of gambling such as casinos and online gambling further contributed to the decline of greyhound racing.
Laws Regulating Greyhound Racing in the United States
In response to animal welfare concerns, several states have enacted laws to regulate greyhound racing. These laws typically include requirements for humane treatment of the dogs, minimum standards for track safety, and restrictions on how often dogs can race.
Number of Greyhound Race Tracks in the United States
As of 2021, there are only seven greyhound race tracks still operating in the United States. These seven tracks are located in the states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Iowa, Texas, and West Virginia.
Alabama
- Birmingham Race Course – Birmingham, AL
Arizona
- Phoenix Greyhound Park – Phoenix, AZ
Arkansas
- Southland Greyhound Park – West Memphis, AR
Iowa
- Dubuque Greyhound Park – Dubuque, IA
Texas
- Gillespie County Greyhound Park – Fredericksburg, TX
- Valley Race Park – Harlingen, TX
West Virginia
- Tri-State Greyhound Park – Cross Lanes, WV
Impact of the Closure of Greyhound Race Tracks
The closure of most greyhound race tracks in the United States has had a significant impact on the industry. Many race tracks have been converted into other forms of entertainment venues such as casinos and restaurants, while others have been demolished and replaced by other developments.
In addition to the loss of jobs associated with the closure of race tracks, the greyhound racing industry has also suffered a significant loss of revenue. This has led to a decrease in the number of greyhound breeders and owners, as well as a decrease in the number of greyhounds available for racing.
Future of Greyhound Racing in the United States
Despite the decline in popularity of greyhound racing, the sport is still alive in the United States and there are still opportunities for people to participate in the sport. However, the future of the sport is uncertain, as many states are considering further regulations or even bans on the sport.
Conclusion
Greyhound racing was once a popular sport in the United States, but its popularity has declined in recent years due to animal welfare concerns and the closure of many tracks. As of 2021, there are only seven greyhound race tracks still operating in the United States, and the future of the sport is uncertain. Despite the decline in popularity, there are still opportunities for people to participate in the sport and the industry is still alive in the United States.