No, greyhound racing no longer takes place in Texas. The state's last remaining tracks ceased operations in late 2020.
The End of Greyhound Racing in Texas
While Texas historically had a presence in the greyhound racing industry, all professional greyhound racing operations in the state officially concluded by the end of 2020. This brought an end to decades of dog racing within Texas borders, aligning with a broader national trend away from the sport.
The decision to cease operations at the state's tracks was influenced by various factors, including declining public interest, decreased revenue, and growing concerns regarding animal welfare.
Former Greyhound Racing Tracks in Texas
Historically, Texas was home to several prominent greyhound racing facilities. These tracks served as venues for live racing for many years before their eventual closure.
Here are the primary greyhound tracks that once operated in Texas:
| Former Track Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Gulf Greyhound Park | LaMarque |
| Gulf Coast Racing | Corpus Christi |
| Valley Race Park | Harlingen |
These facilities, which were once key fixtures in the Texas racing scene, held their final races in December 2020. For instance, Valley Race Park held its last race on December 20, 2020, followed by Gulf Greyhound Park later that month.
Why Racing Ended
The decline and eventual cessation of greyhound racing in Texas, and across much of the United States, can be attributed to several interconnected reasons:
- Decreased Public Interest: A significant drop in attendance and wagering revenue made the sport economically unsustainable for track operators.
- Animal Welfare Concerns: Increased public awareness and advocacy regarding the ethical treatment of racing greyhounds led to mounting pressure for legislative changes and bans.
- Legislative Changes: While Texas did not enact a direct statewide ban, the economic pressures and changing public sentiment led tracks to voluntarily close. Other states had previously passed legislation to prohibit greyhound racing.
- Shifting Entertainment Preferences: The rise of new forms of entertainment and gambling options diverted attention and investment away from live greyhound racing.
In summary, despite a history of greyhound racing, Texas no longer hosts active greyhound races.
