US Greyhound Racing and Betting May Soon End Following Farm Bill Passage

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Greyhound Protection Act of 2025 (H.R. 5017) was included in the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, which the U.S. House passed on Thursday, effectively making greyhound racing illegal nationwide.

Greyhound Racing Is Potentially on Its Way Out

The legislation would amend the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit commercial greyhound racing and betting on these events. If enacted, it would also criminalize hosting races with wagering, facilitating simulcast betting, or engaging in activities such as breeding, transporting, or training greyhounds for racing. Violators could face fines and up to seven years in prison.

Drafting of the bill began last autumn amid ongoing concerns about animal welfare. Should the law be passed, it would likely force the closure of the nation’s last two greyhound tracks—the Wheeling Island Casino Hotel Racetrack and the Mardi Gras Casino & Resort, both located in West Virginia—unless the Senate intervenes.

Riley Moore, a Republican representing West Virginia’s 2nd District, supported the bill but had previously proposed an amendment to exempt the West Virginia tracks from its provisions. That amendment was rejected by a vote of 239–187. Moore expressed disappointment over the defeat and frustration with lawmakers from both parties, arguing that addressing what he views as a state-level issue at the federal level is misguided and lacks common sense. He also suggested there is an unusual focus in Washington, D.C., on industries critical to West Virginia’s economy, including coal, greyhound racing, natural gas, and steel.

The financial impact has also been a key point of discussion. Wheeling has long championed the protection of greyhound racing, emphasizing its role in job creation and local revenue generation. Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron noted that the city has twice presented arguments before the state Legislature regarding the industry’s significance to the region. He emphasized that such decisions should be made at the state level rather than by federal authorities.

Supporters of the Bill Celebrate

While some have voiced concerns about the new legislation, others have welcomed it. Among them is Carey Theil, executive director of GREY2K USA Worldwide, a leading advocacy group for greyhound protection. Theil called the House vote a historic victory for dog welfare supporters, attributing the success to years of grassroots activism and efforts by rescue organizations.

He pointed out that the industry has been steadily declining, noting that greyhound racing is already banned in 44 states. Since 2022, wagering on greyhound races has also been prohibited in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

According to Theil, greyhound racing persists in West Virginia largely due to annual subsidies totaling $19 million or more. He also explained that the company owning the last two tracks, Delaware North, has sought to exit the racing business but remains legally obligated to continue supporting it to maintain its casino licenses.