Greyhound Racing in Texas

Starting in November 2016, a rotating schedule of greyhound racing was authorized at the state’s then-three remaining greyhound tracks: Valley Race Park, Gulf Greyhound Park, and Gulf Coast Racing. Each track would host 36 live race meets from November through February, once every three years.¹ This allowed them all to offer simulcasting. On June 30, 2020, Gulf Greyhound Park, the track which had hosted all live races since 2017, announced its immediate closure.² The Texas Greyhound Association wrote to the state Racing Commission on September 24, 2021 and stated, "There is no uncertainty any longer; it is a simple fact that no greyhound races will run live in Texas in the foreseeable future."³

Four greyhounds collide during a race in Texas. (Valley Race Park)

Greyhound racing had previously ceased in Texas with the closure of Gulf Greyhound Park in December 2015.⁴ However, by virtue of a deal between the industry and the Texas Racing Commission, a rotating schedule was implemented which permitted the racetracks to exploit a legal technicality allowing for year-round simulcast wagering at all three racetracks.⁵ According to Texas Rules of Racing Chapter 321, a license to operate a pari-mutuel racetrack “includes as a part of its privileges the privilege of conducting pari-mutuel wagering on simulcast races.”⁶ As long as tracks have been granted race dates in the future, even three years in the future, they can legally offer more lucrative simulcast wagering on dog races taking place elsewhere.

LIVE LURE TRAINING REVEALED IN TEXAS 

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