There are two greyhound tracks in West Virginia, Wheeling Island in Wheeling and Tri-State Greyhound Park in Cross Lanes. Races are conducted year-round at both facilities, with a total of 485 race meets held in 2016.1 As of 2013, there were between 1,400 and 1,800 greyhounds kept confined at the tracks' kennel compounds.2
The dogs racing at the state's two dog tracks are bred both in and out of state. According to the President of the West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association, close to 1,000 greyhounds are whelped in West Virginia annually.3 The breeders of West Virginia-bred greyhounds receive subsidies that come from the state's gambling profits. Since 2002, breeders have received over $77 million through the Greyhound Breeding Development Fund.4 In March 2014, lawmakers voted to permanently reduce such subsidies by ten percent.5
The West Virginia Racing Commission regulates greyhound racing in the state and enforces the Rules of Racing.
In 2016, the total amount wagered on live greyhound racing in the state was $14,100,164, a decline of 56.9 percent from ten years before.6
Charleston Gazette-Mail - Statehouse Beat: Cost of keeping greyhound racing in WV is going up
WTRF 7News - Community leaders call for elimination of dog racing subsidies in WV
WTOV9 Fox - GREY2K Executive Director: Greyhound racing is going to end
MetroNews - Poll for greyhound racing opposition group shows limited support in West Virginia
Read more >
Reports
Greyhound Racing in West Virginia
Fact Sheets
Greyhound Racing in West Virginia
Commercial Dog Racing in the United States
West Virginia State Links
West Virginia Racing Commission
Active West Virginia Tracks:
Tips
Stay up to date and learn how you can help.