West Virginia is currently the only state in the United States that still permits greyhound racing. A bipartisan federal bill, the Greyhound Protection Act, seeks to ban the sport nationwide, effectively closing the Mardi Gras Casino and Resort in Nitro and Wheeling Island Hotel Casino and Racetrack in Wheeling.
“Public records reveal that some greyhounds used for live commercial racing suffer serious injuries including broken backs, broken necks, head trauma, paralysis, seizures and electrocution,” the legislation states.
While live racing is declining in popularity, racetracks continue to play an important economic role, providing jobs and generating revenue that funds public services across the state. Steve Sarras, a West Virginia greyhound breeder, emphasized, “Pensions are funded from these races. Police and fire [services] get a portion of simulcasting wagering.” He added that the industry supports thousands of jobs throughout the state.
Glen White, director of corporate communications for Delaware North, the company that operates both casinos, said they employ nearly 900 people. He described the businesses as “positive economic drivers for the state and their regions,” noting that they also contribute to local charities.
Legal and Economic Framework
Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, who represents the Wheeling area, pointed out that ending racing would eliminate jobs in dog training, veterinary services, and related fields.
State law since 2007 mandates that all casino table games and video lottery machines must be linked to horse or dog racing. Legislative efforts to decouple racing from casino operations have repeatedly failed, with lawmakers arguing that ending greyhound racing would devastate local economies.
The Greyhound Development Breeding Fund, which typically receives $15–17 million annually, supports breeders and helps improve training and track facilities. Carey Theil, executive director of GREY2K USA Worldwide, said the funds could instead benefit roads, education, or other state priorities, asserting, “The Legislature, if it wanted to, could absolutely end the live racing mandate and take that $17 million and redirect it anywhere it wants.”
Animal Welfare Concerns
In 2024, state records indicate 487 greyhounds were injured, including 162 with broken bones, and 13 died, according to Theil. He noted that racing careers are extremely short, with dogs spending most of their lives in kennels. The use of live lure in training also raises welfare concerns.
Sarras defended the industry, stressing veterinary oversight: “These dogs are seen on the regular by veterinarians. There’s no room for abuse and neglect … they’re happy and healthy and extremely fit.” Delaware North has pledged to maintain the highest safety standards at its facilities. Fluharty criticized outside groups advocating for the federal ban, describing it as “out-of-state propaganda.”
Federal Bill Spurs Debate
Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., introduced the Greyhound Protection Act, calling greyhound racing “cruel, inhumane, and thoroughly unpopular.” Some local lawmakers, including Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, support the sport and highlight the 99% adoption rate for retired racing greyhounds.
Animal welfare advocates, such as Theresa Bruner, argue that the $15–17 million in annual subsidies could instead address pressing state needs, including the financially-troubled Public Employees Insurance Agency. Bruner said, “The industry should be left to survive on its own. If it survives, it survives.”
Source:
“West Virginia is the last state with greyhound racing; new federal bill would end it”, westvirginiawatch.com, October 14, 2025
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